Bappe – ‘Arsenal was real option’

Kylian Mbappe has validated records of a summertime conference with Arsene Wenger as well as states signing up with Toolbox was “a genuine option” before he selected Paris Saint-Germain.

Parisian Mbappe will spend the period on finance at his home town club from Monaco before completing a ₤ 165m permanent relocation next year.

Wenger explored the opportunity of a bargain for the 18-year-old very early in the summer, when it was extensively reported the pair held a three-hour meeting in the French funding.

I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach,” Mbappe told the Daily Telegraph. “He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well-respected and knows how to develop young players.

“This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.

“We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs but my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make.

“It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop.”