Arsenal enjoyed a historic 2025-26 campaign by winning the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s side also reached the UEFA Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
The Gunners have remained active since the summer transfer window opened. Arsenal are looking to strengthen the squad while also planning for the club’s long-term future.
Recruiting young talent remains one of the club’s main priorities. Arsenal have already added several promising players over the last 12 months as they continue building for the future.
One youngster who attracted Arsenal’s attention is Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba. The 18-year-old will leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Although the French champions offered him a new deal, he now looks set to leave on a free transfer. Arsenal have monitored Mbemba throughout the summer.
However, the North London club now appears to be losing the race for his signature. According to L’Equipe, Mbemba is close to joining Ligue 1 side AS Monaco instead.
The report follows earlier claims that Bournemouth also wanted to sign the versatile defender. However, Monaco now look set to beat both clubs to the deal.
Any move will reportedly cost around £150,000 in compensation. Mbemba can play as a left-back and as a centre-back.
He has also represented France at youth level from the Under-16s through to the Under-19s. The teenager has not made his first-team debut for Paris Saint-Germain.
If he completes his move this summer, he is expected to spend time on loan to gain senior experience.
For now, Arsenal appear set to miss out on Mbemba. Unless the situation changes quickly, AS Monaco look ready to complete the move for the highly-rated PSG youngster.
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