Arsenal have Kylian Mbappe transfer 'advantage' after major PSG decision made

Arsenal have an advantage in the race to sign PSG star Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to a new report.

The France forward was left out of PSG's travelling squad for their pre-season tour of Japan, as speculation continues over his future.

Mbappe sent a letter to PSG chiefs in June, signalling that he would not be triggering the optional extension in his current contract which would keep him at Parc des Princes beyond next summer.

The forward publicly confirmed his intention to see out the remainder of his PSG deal, but the French giants' latest decision places the likelihood of that happening into doubt.

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG are 'convinced' that Mbappe has agreed terms with Real Madrid to join them on a free transfer next summer, and now consider him for sale as a result.

That will no doubt spark a bidding war for his services - but the Gunners may hold the advantage.

Arsenal have Mbappe transfer 'advantage'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to comment on speculation linking the club with a move for Mbappe this summer - but they may have a good chance of signing the forward.

That is because, according to The Independent, Arsenal are Mbappe's number one choice if he were to sign for a Premier League club.

It is claimed that he likes the Gunners because of 'the evolution' of Arteta's team, and that he would 'enjoy the challenge of delivering the [Premier League] title'.

Mbappe would also follow in the footsteps of one of his idols, Thierry Henry, who is one of Arsenal's greatest ever players.

One key issue, of course, would be the budget. The Gunners have already spent significant sums this summer, including a £105 million fee on Declan Rice.

Although Rice is being paid for in separate instalments, it would be unclear whether the Gunners would possess close to the amount of funds required to purchase Mbappe.

There is also no reported contact between PSG and Arsenal, who have not dealt with each other in terms of transfer business since the move to take Nicolas Anelka to Highbury in 1996.

Still, if the Gunners can raise the funds, they may be able to compete with Real to secure Mbappe's signature.