News Focus
- Arsenal want to sign PSG youth captain Emmanuel Mbemba this summer
- The 18-year-old defender is likely to reject a new contract from the European champions
- The Gunners hope to loan the France U18 international to a foreign club initially
- Local rivals Paris FC are also competing to sign the promising centre-back
Arsenal are preparing an approach for Paris Saint-Germain youngster Emmanuel Mbemba. The North London club lost to PSG in the recent UEFA Champions League final. Now they hope to secure one of the French side’s best academy talents.
The 18-year-old serves as captain for PSG’s under-18 team. He plays as a centre-back and has represented France at U18 level, earning eight caps. Although the Ligue 1 champions have offered him a professional contract, the teenager is expected to seek a move away from the Parc des Princes when the transfer window opens.
Arsenal have already contacted the player. They have presented their development project to him and his representatives. The Premier League club believe they can offer him a clear path to first-team football in the future.
If Arsenal complete the signing, they plan to send Mbemba on loan to a club outside England. This would allow him to gain senior experience in a different environment. However, the Gunners face competition from Paris FC, who also want to bring the defender across the city this summer.