Kylian Mbappe says joining Arsene Wenger's Arsenal was 'a real option'

Posted Thursday, September 07, 2017 by Skysports.com

Kylian Mbappe says joining Arsene Wenger's Arsenal was 'a real option'
Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in training for Paris Saint-Germain

Kylian Mbappe has confirmed reports of a summer meeting with Arsene Wenger and says joining Arsenal was "a real option" before he chose Paris Saint-Germain.

Parisian Mbappe will spend the season on loan at his hometown club from Monaco before completing a £165m permanent move next year.

Wenger explored the possibility of a deal for the 18-year-old early in the summer, when it was widely reported the pair held a three-hour meeting in the French capital.

And Mbappe was tempted by the idea of working with his compatriot, currently facing an early-season battle to keep Arsenal supporters on side after back-to-back defeats.

"I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach," Mbappe told the Daily Telegraph. "He has a great reputation here in France, he's well-respected and knows how to develop young players.

"This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.

"I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach," Mbappe told the Daily Telegraph. "He has a great reputation here in France, he's well-respected and knows how to develop young players.

"This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.