Flattered, but no thanks. That is apparently the message to Arsene Wenger from Kylian Mbappe, who has told both the Gunners and Real Madrid that while he appreciates their interest he believes it would be best for his development if he stays at Monaco.
According to Talksport, which quotes French newspaper Le Parisien, the 18-year-old sensation "will stay at Monaco for another season" and consider his options in 12 months.
It's reported that the teenage striker has made up his mind and will sit down with executives from the Ligue 1 club after the international break "to tell them the news and sign a new deal until June 2020."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
The clincher, claims Le Parisien, was Mbappe's realisation that if he moved to Arsenal or Real, he could spend a lot of time on the bench and damage his prospects of making France's squad for next year's World Cup. So, despite Metro claiming Arsenal will make one final attempt of £130m to sign the youngster, Monaco are confident that their prize asset will report back for training at the start of July.
Meanwhile the Daily Mirror says that Barcelona have made Arsenal full back Hector Bellerin "their number one summer target" and the Spanish club are about to table a £40m offer for the 22-year-old defender.
The former Barca academy player was linked to the Camp Nou for much of the season but according to the Mirror the Gunners "are confident of keeping him" having tied Bellerin to a six-year contract last year worth £100,000 a week.
