Arsenal and United offer kings ransom for Mbappe

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 28: Kylian Mbappe of France makes his way onto the pitch prior to the International Friendly match between France and Spain at the Stade de France on March 28, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 28: Kylian Mbappe of France makes his way onto the pitch prior to the International Friendly match between France and Spain at the Stade de France on March 28, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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After a breakout season for Kylian Mbappe, the French striker is the most sought after transfer target of the summer. Still just eighteen years old, will the striker land in the Premier League or with Spanish and European champions Real Madrid?

Well, it’s officially fair to say that this is getting ridiculous. The French teenager is set to shatter the world record transfer fee set by fellow countryman Paul Pogba last year upon his mega-transfer to Manchester United. Pogba was bought from Italian champions Juventus for $108 million, to be paid by Manchester United over two years. He hasn’t necessarily lived up to his staggering price tag, though he quietly had a pretty solid season.

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But let’s not talk about Pogba, the best player in the world last summer. Now, the best player in the world is Kylian Mbappe. It is, right? The player worth the most is the best player, right? Well, not exactly. That’s what makes the transfer market so interesting. Mbappe might be the most valued commodity in Europe at the moment, but that is because of his rare potential.

The French starlet was a critical component of Monaco’s incredible campaign. The Ligue 1 champions won their first domestic title in 17 years and made it through to the Champions League semifinal where they fell to Juve. In total, Mbappe made 44 appearances this term and scored an insane 26 goals. Not only does he have highly advanced skills and abilities for his age, but he’s proved he can perform at the highest levels of football.

Nowadays it seems like every summer we are seeing the football market reset as world record fees are broken. The leading suitors for Monaco’s star man are reportedly Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. Los Blancos are willing to pay more than either Premier League team with a $115 million bid. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is attempting to lure the striker with a promise of wearing the coveted number 9 shirt and a starting place in the squad. Arsenal offered $107 million, and United offered $103 million.

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If Madrid sign the Frenchman, he will not have a starting spot and will have to fight the likes of Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata for the role. He would fit right in at United who are desperate to replace their current starting striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. United are in the middle of a rebuild, and Arsenal are pretty well set if they can keep Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil this summer. Since United qualified for the Champions League next year, it seems like Old Trafford is the ideal landing spot for Mbappe. Maybe the Red Devils will break the record they set themselves last summer.