At A Glance:
- Arsenal are interested in a youngster from Paris Saint-Germain.
- He has already represented France at youth level.
- Could have a similar pathway to William Saliba.
Arsenal are looking to sign a French youth international from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, and if completed, the young star could see a similar start to life at Arsenal as William Saliba.
The Gunners’ defence is already a strong one, but it is clear that the club are planning to future-proof that area and sign players who can break into the team at some point going forward.
William Saliba was the last French defender to sign for Arsenal, and he has quickly become one of the most impressive players in England, with some arguing that Saliba is currently the best defender in all of Europe.
Could this young Paris Saint-Germain talent be the next star at the back under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta?
READ MORE: Jurrien Timber contract push gives Arsenal a smart next step
Emmanuel Mbemba has been approached by Arsenal on a free transfer
According to the BBC, the Gunners have made an approach for Paris Saint-Germain youngster Emmanuel Mbemba. The 18-year-old’s contract expires at the end of June, and while PSG have offered him a new deal, he is said to be open to a move elsewhere.
The transfer would not cost Arsenal much either, with compensation is expected to be just over £150,000, making Mbemba a relatively low-risk addition.
Reports suggest Mbemba is attracted by the stability and success Arsenal have enjoyed under Arteta. As a result, the Gunners could be in a strong position if the race for his signature develops further.
Mbemba already boasts an impressive career despite his age, with the France youth international recently captaining PSG’s under-19 side.
Mbemba could see his career mimic William Saliba
If he makes the move to Arsenal, Mbemba apparently spend time on loan elsewhere in Europe until January 2027—doing so would allow him to secure the work permit needed before making the switch to English football.
This would be a similar pathway as the one William Saliba saw himself go through when joining the club in 2019 from Saint-Etienne, with Saliba going back on loan to Saint-Etienne in 2020, Nice in 2021 and Marseille in 2022 before breaking into the first-team for Arsenal in the 2022-23 season aged 21.
Mbemba could see loans back to France in a fashion similar to Saliba, perhaps starting in the second-tier before getting experience at clubs with a higher reputation.
