Real Madrid are reportedly confident of winning the race for Kylian Mbappe as they are willing to buy the 18-year-old before sending him back to Monaco on loan.
The France forward has attracted interest from several top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Mbappe, whose transfer fee is expected to go beyond £100 million this summer, has admitted that the amount of playing time he’ll receive will be a factor in deciding his next move.
But according to AS, Madrid are willing to solve that dilemma by allowing the striker to remain at Monaco for another season before switching to Spain next year.
Arsenal were interested in Mbappe last year, with Arsene Wenger even visiting the striker at his home to discuss a move to the Premier League.
But the Gunners now face a tough task of fending off Madrid, who have made Mbappe one of their priority targets.
Mbappe’s potential arrival at Arsenal has been welcomed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who admits the forward’s rise at Monaco has been impressive this season.
‘First and foremost, Mbappe has been a phenomenal revelation this season at such a young age,’ he told the Evening Standard.
‘It is hard not to watch him closely. He is scoring so many goals and every week, it’s in your face!
‘I have been monitoring him and he really is a quality player.’
