Transfer Gossip: Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal given incredible boost amid report of four-man swap deal; world-class striker rejects Tottenham approach
Kylian Mbappe is being linked with an unlikely move to Arsenal
Arsenal are looking into a sensational move for Kylian Mbappe by potentially offering four players as part of a swap, a Tottenham approach for one of the best strikers in the world has fallen short, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims a £35m Newcastle signing will be done in days.
KYLIAN MBAPPE TO ARSENAL TALK GATHERING PACE
Arsenal’s prospects of signing Kylian Mbappe appear to be growing amid surprising new claims.
The PSG forward is regarded as one of, if not the, best player in the world right now. But with his PSG contract expiring next summer, the World Cup winner has informed the Ligue 1 giants he does not plan to extend his deal.
Per Sky Sports, PSG believe Mbappe has already agreed a deal to join Real Madrid as a free agent next summer. The Spanish giants are long-term admirers of the forward, having tracked his services for years. Indeed, a major bid to lure him from Paris last summer ultimately fell through. That was after the star opted to sign a two-year extension instead.
However, as a compromise, they are already thought to have thrashed out terms with Mbappe over a summer 2024 move.
Understandably, though, PSG are looking to avoid the possibility of losing their prized asset on a free.
To that end, they are pushing to sell him this summer to the highest bidder; regardless of who that will be.
Truth be told, there are very few clubs in the world game who could afford to sign Mbappe. As well as Real Madrid, Man Utd and Liverpool have also been touted as possible destinations.
However, talk this week has dramatically thrown Arsenal into the mix.
And it was claimed on Friday that the Gunners are Mbappe’s preferred destination were he to move to the Premier League.
Report names four stars Arsenal could offer in Mbappe swoop
On the surface, a deal for Mbappe would not really sit within Arsenal’s finaces. He would need to take close to a 50% pay-cut on his current £700,000 a week wages to make the move. Then there is the small matter of Mbappe’s £175m valuation.
However, the Daily Express has listed four stars Arsenal could offer PSG to tempt them into a possible deal.
In Gabriel Martinelli, PSG could land on an immediate replacement for Mbappe amid claims he would be used as Arsenal’s main sweetener. The Brazilian enjoyed an outstanding 2022/23 season, scoring 15 goals and adding five assists in 46 appearances.
And while not on Mbappe’s level, the 22-year-old is a player much admired by PSG officials.
Currently rated at around the £100m, Arsenal would also need to offer PSG more players to secure a deal.
And per the report, Folarin Balogun – who starred last season on loan with Reims – could also be made available.
In addition, PSG would also be offered both Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe. However, it is unlikely either player would be of interest to them.
One player PSG do like is Martin Odegaard. However, the Norwegian is considered untouchable by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal would rather walk away from a deal than to lose their captain.
Ultimately, a deal to bring Mbappe to Arsenal does seem a pipedream at best. But with Mbappe refusing a new deal and PSG determined to sell, matters could be coming to a head one way or another in a matter of weeks.
READ MORE: Exclusive ~ Charles Watts on why Arsenal must stick £50m fee on Folarin Balogun’s head
DANIEL LEVY SAW MOVE FOR VICTOR OSIMHEN FAIL – REPORT
Should Tottenham need to replace Harry Kane this summer, there are very few players in the world game who are fit to lace his boots.
The 29-year-old England striker is one of the best of all-time, having this year become top scorer for club and country.
But with his Tottenham deal due to expire in summer 2024, reports are growing that Kane will be persuaded to leave this summer.
To that end, Bayern Munich are planning a second approach, having seen an opening €70m bid for Kane fall short.
And with Man Utd also seemngly keen, a parting of ways from Tottenham appears a distinct possibility.
Kane’s exit will leave a huge, potentially unfillable, chasm at Tottenham.
However, reports in Germany claim Daniel Levy moved ambitiously for Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli striker is one of the few in the world game operating at a similar level to Kane. Indeed, the Nigerian’s 59 goals 101 games illustrates the levels he is operating at.
Falk confirms Tottenham’s Osimhen interest
Now while speaking about Bayern’s interest in Kane, Bild journalist Christian Falk claims Levy tried to sign Osimhen as a replacement.
Sadly, though, for Tottenham, their ‘approach’ for Osimhen was quickly sent packing.
Falk said: “One reason why Daniel Levy is taking such a strong stance here (about Harry Kane) is because he tried to bring in Victor Osimhen and was told ‘no’.
“Osimhen, I think, has the same idea (as Kane) about winning titles and doesn’t see there being a high chance of that at Tottenham.”
That said, with Napoli demanding a hefty €150m for Osimhen, a deal was never, ever likely. Furthermore, with Tottenham not even offering UCL football, their chances anyway would be slim to none (and it seems slim has just left town!).
READ MORE ~ Harry Kane to Man Utd: Ten Hag preparing £73million sacrifice as four men told they must go
NEWCASTLE ON BRINK OF SEALING HARVEY BARNES DEAL
Newcastle are closing on the signing of Harvey Barnes – and a deal should go through in the next few days.
The England cap has been given permission to leave Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League.
Harvey Barnes in action for Leicester City
Barnes scored an impressive 13 goals over the 2022/23 season, despite Leicester’s struggles. And the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa are among those showing an interest in the 25-year-old star.
However, in the past few days it is Newcastle who have elbowed their way to the front of the queue.
They see the winger as an upgrade on one-time fan favourite Allan Saint-Maximin, who appears to be set to leave.
Leicester were reportedly hoping to fetch up to £50m for Barnes.
However, The Guardian reports a deal in the region of £35m is close to being struck.
That deal will reportedly go through before the end of next week with talks continuing over an agreement.
And he might not be the last winger to sign for Newcastle this summer, amid links to Juventus’ Federico Chiesa.
Barnes will be the latest in a series of major exits at Leicester this summer. James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Caglar Soyuncu have already departed the King Power this summer.
However, the Foxes are preparing for the Championship by already signing England internationals Conor Coady and Harry Winks.
