Arsenal have made an approach to sign Paris St-Germain teenager Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer this summer, just weeks after losing the Champions League final to the French club. The 18-year-old France youth international, who recently captained PSG’s under-19 side to French Youth Cup success at the Stade de France, has been offered a new contract by PSG but is open to a move to a leading Premier League club. Training compensation is expected to be just over £150,000 when his contract expires at the end of June.
Arsenal, the English champions, have made early contact and outlined what they could offer, making explicit reference to William Saliba’s progression when loaned by the Gunners to Marseille. Mbemba is said to favour Arsenal, having seen the recent stability and success under manager Mikel Arteta. As part of the proposal, Mbemba was told he would go out on a European loan until January 2027, allowing time to secure a work permit to play in England. Although he has primarily played as a centre-back in PSG’s youth ranks, Arsenal view him as a long-term option at left-back.
“Arsenal approach PSG teenager Mbemba on a free transfer; Alvarez rejects London move.”
According to Le Parisien, Mbemba has several options, including Ligue 1 side Paris FC, who could be boosted by the work-permit issue. Arsenal have been scouting him on several occasions this season and “presented its project” to the teenager.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has hit a dead end. Cadena SER reports that the Argentina international is not expected to force a move away from Atletico and would prefer to join Barcelona, but negotiations between the two sides are at a “standstill”. Arsenal are seen as the “only realistic option” for Alvarez, yet the forward is not considering the Gunners and does not want to move to London, increasing the likelihood of him remaining at Atletico. With one target slipping away and another requiring a loan before he can even play, Arteta’s summer rebuild faces early complications.