Following a standout season at Monaco in 2016-17, the French forward attracted interest from various clubs, including Arsenal, before opting to join Paris Saint-Germain. His phenomenal record of 233 goals and 100 assists in 282 games for the Ligue 1 champions has elevated him into the upper echelons of world football. His £163 million transfer still stands as the second-highest in football history. Despite his current stature, it’s revealed by former Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi that Mbappe nearly became a Gunner.

Recalling their pursuit, Grimandi revealed, “I don’t know whether Kylian Mbappe is a realistic target for Arsenal, even if the club wins the Premier League and has a strong season in Europe. We tried to convince him before, in 2016,” Grimandi told Ladbrokes Fanzone [via The Metro].

“We met his parents in London who came to the training ground and alongside Arsene [Wenger, then manager] and Richard Law [then transfer chief] we travelled to meet Kylian in the South of France. We tried to convince him, but I don’t think it was the best time for us; that meeting took place the day after we’d just lost to Swansea at home in the League, which itself followed a defeat at Old Trafford.”

“I remember we had a big game away just three days later against Tottenham, so the timing was not ideal. We tried, and I really don’t think we were far from getting him, but he declined the project and signed a new deal with Monaco.”

“I’d say it is probably the biggest disappointment in my 15 years as an Arsenal scout, not convincing Kylian Mbappe to sign for the club.”

Now 25 years old and captaining his national team, Mbappe played pivotal roles in France’s World Cup victories in 2018 and their journey to the 2022 final. With his PSG contract ending in 2020, speculation points to a potential move to Real Madrid, though nothing is confirmed. Meanwhile, Mbappe continues to showcase his talent, gearing up for PSG’s upcoming clash against Toulouse in the Trophee des Champions.

Kylian Mbappé

This season he played in total 16 times for 1331 minutes for Ligue 1.

Kylian Mbappé  scored 18 goals for Paris Saint Germain. He procured two assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Ligue 1. In the last match Paris Saint Germain won 3-1 against Metz.

Paris Saint Germain performance and stats

Paris Saint Germain is currently 1st in the Ligue 1 with 40 points.

In the last 17 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 4 times, and lost once. In its last match, Paris Saint Germain won 3-1 against Metz.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 42 goals and conceding 14.​