Arteta’s Insightful Response on Mbappe Unveils Arsenal’s Ambitious Goals
When Mikel Arteta was asked on Friday whether he would be interested in signing Kylian Mbappe, he could have simply avoided the question. However, his response revealed a glimpse into Arsenal’s ambitious goals for the future. The Athletic reported earlier this week that Mbappe is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summer. It is widely expected that Real Madrid will be his next destination. Despite this, Arteta acknowledged the likelihood of Mbappe moving elsewhere but expressed interest in having Arsenal in the conversation. He stated, “When there is a player of that calibre, we always have to be in the conversation.” He further emphasized the club’s ambition by saying, “If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players, that is for sure.”
Madrid has long been predicted as Mbappe’s destination, and negotiations between the club and PSG were underway for a transfer in 2022. However, the 25-year-old France captain turned down the offer to stay in Paris. The Athletic also reported that Mbappe had been leaning towards Madrid but the process was delayed due to concerns from his camp about the offer. Madrid’s proposal from 2022 included a €130 million (£110m/$140m) signing bonus with an annual salary of €26 million, making him their best-paid player. While these figures are still substantial, they are less than what was offered two years ago.
Arsenal’s own spending power heading into the summer is yet to be determined. Their return to the more lucrative Champions League this season after a six-year absence will undoubtedly increase revenue. However, they also have existing financial commitments, such as the £27 million owed to Brentford to make David Raya’s loan permanent. Financial fair play considerations played a role in this commitment. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their spending power, Arteta’s comments showcase the scale of ambition within the club.
Arteta’s belief that Arsenal should be in the conversation for players of Mbappe’s calibre reflects the direction in which he aims to take the north London club. This ambition has been evident in their recruitment strategy over the past few years. In the 2021 summer window, Arteta and sporting director Edu signed six players under the age of 23, aiming to build a young and talented core for the future. While not all of these deals have been successful, players like Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, and Takehiro Tomiyasu have played crucial roles.
The summer of 2022 was about elevating the team to another level. The additions of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City brought new dimensions to the squad and propelled Arsenal into their first genuine title challenge in years. Arteta had previously emphasized the need to “nail the recruitment” and signing Declan Rice for £105 million was a significant step in that direction. However, Arsenal still have work to do to attract elite, proven talent from Champions League rivals.
Consistently challenging for the Premier League title and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League will be crucial in lifting Arsenal to the next level. These achievements will not only improve their on-pitch performance but also enhance their ability to attract top-tier players. Arteta himself acknowledged this when he stated, “Those experiences are necessary…and then that group needs to grow.” The club’s progress will also require Arteta to assess what he deems important, as previous superstar signings like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexis Sanchez, and Mesut Ozil left under difficult circumstances.
While it is unlikely that Arsenal will be in the race to sign Mbappe, Arteta’s words should not be dismissed. They reflect the club’s ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. Arsenal’s future recruitment will be a crucial factor in realizing these ambitions. Although the path forward may not be easy, Arteta has proven that he is willing to take bold steps in pursuit of success. As Arsenal continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they navigate the transfer market and identify other targets that match their ambition.