Arsenal approach PSG player after Champions League final as green light given for transfer

Arsenal have made an approach to sign a defender from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.

PSG beat Arsenal in the final in Budapest at the end of last month, leaving the Gunners with only a first Premier League title since 2003-04 to celebrate.

Arsenal's interest in 18-year-old PSG defender Emmanuel Mbemba was reported in France last week. Le Parisien claimed that Arsenal had 'presented its project' to the PSG Under-19 captain.

Mbemba, who can play at centre-back or left-back, is also wanted by Barcelona as well as German Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

PSG have offered him a deal and city rivals Paris FC are believed to be eager to move him over from the Parc des Princes, but it's expected that Mbemba will leave France to sign his first professional contract.

The highly-rated defender is old enough to sign professional terms with an English club but hasn't played enough first team football to earn the work permit points required to work in the United Kingdom.

Despite the need for an immediate loan away in order to fulfil those criteria, Arsenal are apparently pushing hard for Mbemba and the affection is mutual.

"The North London club have made youth recruitment a major priority under sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta, and sources have confirmed that significant progress has been made," for both Mbemba and Leicester City's Jeremy Monga, reports TEAMtalk.

"The highly-rated left-sided defender is out of contract this summer and his availability has alerted clubs across Europe.

"Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Arsenal have held talks with Mbemba and his representatives, with the club’s project making a strong impression.

Arsenal face Mbemba competition

Paris FC, Barcelona, Leverkusen and Bayern aren't the only teams keeping tabs on the teenager.

Emmanuel Mbemba pictured (Image: Getty)

It's also reported that Stuttgart and PSV are 'exploring the possibility' of signing Mbemba, while two of the world's leading multi-club organisations are also in the picture for one of Europe's most highly regarded future pros.

"Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo and Manchester City’s parent company City Football Group have both made contact regarding Mbemba’s situation," according to TEAMtalk.

He is yet to feature for PSG's first team.