Kylian Mbappe is receptive to the idea of playing for Arsenal because it would allow him to emulate his hero, Thierry Henry.

After reaching the last year of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old France attacker is once again the focus of heated transfer rumours, though it’s unclear if he’ll actually leave the Ligue 1 winners.

Real Madrid pursued Mbappe hard back in 2022, but he ultimately decided against moving to the Bernabeu at the last minute. Although recent rumours have suggested that Mbappe is open to other options, Los Blancos are still in the running to sign him.

Mbappe would ‘willingly join’ Arsenal, according to The Independent, despite past connections to the Premier League through Liverpool. The striker is reportedly drawn to the chance to follow in Henry’s footsteps.

Henry is recognised as one of Arsenal’s all-time best players and rose to become the team’s all-time top goalscorer during two different stints at the club.

In his native country, Olivier Giroud is the only player ahead of the forward-turned-television commentator in the French scoring charts, indicating that he is regarded similarly.

Although the story confirms that PSG management still believe Mbappe will sign with Real Madrid in the summer, it also points out that the player’s expectations are not matched by the financial package that Real Madrid is offering.

When Mbappe’s camp made demands of Liverpool last year, the latter refused to alter their wage structure, and it has been stated that Arsenal would adopt a similar financial attitude should a deal be pursued.

The opportunity to follow in Thierry Henry’s footsteps would appeal to Mbappe, it has been claimed ( Image: Getty Images)

Mbappe is free to discuss a pre-contract arrangement with foreign teams, but he has not yet stated if he will accept Real Madrid’s most recent offer.

It’s known that the contract he’s been given is less than the one he received in 2022—a transaction the La Liga team thought was finalised.

In July, Mbappe turned down a rich offer from Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League team, following the submission of a record-breaking €300 million (£255.2 million) bid for his talents.