Arsenal have stepped up efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain youngster Emmanuel Mbemba, with the highly-rated defender emerging as a summer transfer target for the Premier League champions.
The 18-year-old, whose PSG contract expires at the end of June, has been offered a new deal by the French club but is reportedly open to a move to North London.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal have presented a development pathway to the France youth international, citing the rise of William Saliba, who progressed from a loan spell at Marseille to become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners are expected to pay just over £150,000 in training compensation if the move goes through.
Arsenal are also considering sending Mbemba on a European loan until January 2027 to help him secure a work permit before joining the club. While naturally a centre-back, the teenager is viewed as a long-term option at left-back.
Mbemba recently captained PSG’s Under-19 team to French Youth Cup glory and is regarded as one of the club’s most promising young defenders.