“Biggest disappointment in my career” – Arsenal scout claims Kylian Mbappe nearly signed for club in 2016

Kylian Mbappe was once 'dangerously' close to signing for Arsenal!


“Biggest disappointment in my career” – Arsenal scout claims Kylian Mbappe nearly signed for club in 2016

Kylian Mbappe was close to signing for Arsenal. (Image via Goal.com & Wikipedia)

It is no secret how former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger came close to and convinced several others to join the club. One such story from the past has taken the internet by surprise, as an Arsenal scout recalled a story from way back in 2016. As per Gilles Grimandi (Arsenal scout), French superstar Kylian Mbappe was ‘dangerously’ close to signing for the Gunners.

Kylian Mbappe currently piles his trade at Paris Saint-Germain and has cemented himself as one of the biggest names in world football. He captains both PSG and the national team and is the all-time top scorer for his club. Aged just 25, he has a FIFA World Cup and several domestic titles to his name. He spent 3 seasons at AS Monaco before leaving for PSG for a €180 million fee.

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As per Gilles Grimandi, not convincing Kylian Mbappe to sign for Arsenal remains his biggest regret.

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I don't know if Mbappe is a realistic target for Arsenal now, but we tried signing him in 2016. We met his parents and also travelled to France to convince him. The timing wasn't ideal. 
Grimandi told The Sun
We weren't far from getting him, but he declined and renewed with Monaco.

He labeled the moment as the biggest disappointment in his 15-year career with Arsenal.

Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid: Will the saga ever end?

Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid has been the never-ending transfer saga in recent years. The Los Blancos are currently in their fifth straight year pursuing the Frenchman. The club came close to bringing him home last season but was disappointed when he signed a one-year extension with the club. Now, Jose Manuel Moreno, a Spanish journalist and commentator is convinced that a deadline has presented itself.

Kylian Mbappe and Florentino Perez
Kylian Mbappe and Florentino Perez. (Via X/@goal & ManagingMadrid)

As far as Mbappe to Real Madrid is concerned, January 31st remains the last date to strike up a deal with Madrid if he is to play for the club. Starting January 1st, Mbappe is allowed to sign a pre-contract with any club. Mbappe to FC Barcelona was another rumor that surprised the footballing community. However, close inspection revealed that the same was part of an ‘El Dia de Los Inocentes’ prank (April Fool’s Day equivalent) in Spain.

Mbappe is currently flourishing at PSG, as the forward has already netted 18 goals and 2 assists in 16 league games this season. That’s at least 10 more than any other player in the league. PSG are currently top of Ligue 1, 5 points above OGC Nice. The Parisiens have been drawn to face Real Sociedad after finishing second in Group F, behind Borussia Dortmund.

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