£123.3m for Mbappe

LONDON. — Arsenal offered more than £123.3 million for Monaco hitman Kylian Mbappe, it was sensationally claimed in Spain yesterday.

Boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he’s a big fan of the 18-year-old striker and Spanish newspaper Marca yesterday reported that a monster bid was made. Marca say a bid of “more than 140 million euros” was lodged, which equates to £123.3m.

If true, it hints that Arsenal were willing to smash the world transfer record to get their man. It’s also around three times more than the Gunners’ club record too, which they broke last week after signing Alexandre Lacazette for £46.5m.

Aside from Arsenal, Marca report there is still interest in Mbappe from Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain. The latter is unlikely to win any transfer battle, however. It’s claimed Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev is determined to ensure PSG will not be the youngster’s next destination.

And, with Real Madrid not having a space for Mbappe following the Alvaro Morata to Manchester United move collapsing, it looks increasingly likely the Frenchman will stay at Monaco. Marca say Real would now prefer to take Mbappe next season, giving him another 12 months to blossom at Monaco.

Monaco have already lost Bernardo Silva to Manchester City and Vasilyev does not want to break up a team of a generation – regardless of how much money the club could bank if they do get deals done. — The Daily Express.