Arsenal: Kylian Mbappe Lays Down His Marker

Kylian Mbappe scored twice in Monaco’s win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, laying down his marker for a transfer to Arsenal.

The Arsenal squad is in need of an overhaul. Whether it will get one or not is another question. But the need is there and seemingly all but Arsene Wenger are acutely aware of it. From troubles at left-back and centre-half, through the spine of the team, all way to the spearhead of the side, there are glaring weaknesses.

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Such weaknesses are only set to magnify if Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil do indeed leave the club in the summer as is expected. The duo have just a year remaining on their current contracts and have visibly, especially the former, grown increasingly frustrated with life at the Emirates, as their individual ambitions are yet to be matched.

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Both have been the cornerstones of Arsenal’s attacking play in recent seasons. Ozil, as the creator and the instigator; Sanchez as the aggravator, the spark plug, the catalyst. If the two were to leave, then there would be a significant attacking void to fill, one which would require heavy investment and a special calibre of player or players to acquired.

One name that has been linked with a possible move to North London is Kylian Mbappe. The Monaco centre-forward has been sensational in his fist season at the senior level, scoring 21 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions. That comes after two goals in the win 3-2 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, cementing his quality at the highest level of club football.

The first goal, while a little lucky, thanks to the unbeknownst-to-him finish and shade of offside, did showcase an anticipation and reading of the game that young players rarely possess. The second, though, was sensational.

Intercepting a wayward and lacking square pass across the Dortmund defence, Mbappe burst through on goal. With time to think, something that is often the downfall of strikers, Mbappe first showed great pace to sprint clear, and the presence of mind and technical skill to set the ball out to his right, and plant a shot into the top right corner with assuredness and certainty.

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Boasting such athletic traits, combined with the mental maturity and technical talents, at just 18 years of age, Mbappe is a thoroughly enthralling prospect. Likened to Thierry Henry thanks to his domestic roots and style of play, he has a very bright future ahead of him, and could well blossom into the attacking spark that Arsenal may need.