Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Kylian Mbappe Admission Should Inspire Confidence

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal are interested in Kylian Mbappe. Such is his hesitant media history, the comments should inspire confidence.

Arsene Wenger is notoriously vague when speaking with the media. He is a private individual who prefers to keep the dealings of Arsenal football club, from the tactics on the pitch to the transfer dealings in the boardroom, away from the vicious world of the football media. It is a sensible tactic.

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Many managers in the past have been undone by making public promises of league finishes, or speaking openly about transfers only to see them fall through because of their very decision to reveal a little too much detail for the other parties’ liking, or allowing the media to squeeze their way into the cracks of the dressing room, releasing rumours and reports regarding private, special moments that should not be in the public domain.

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Wenger is especially hesitant to discuss future transfers, particularly when asked about individual players, often choosing to speak in vague terms to avoid ever answering the rather pointed question. That is why his comments regarding a potential summer move for Kylian Mbappe are so surprising.

When asked about whether he is interested in the remarkable Monaco forward, Wenger confirmed Arsenal’s interest, claiming that he and the club are looking at him, but that they may be priced out of a move because of the competition to sign such a wonderfully gifted young player:

"“Obviously it would be hypocritical and a lie to say that we are not looking at him. But he’s already in the bracket of clubs who are, perhaps, much better financed than us.”"

While it is very easy to read these comments in a negative light – Wenger admits that he does not have the budget to sign Mbappe this summer, even if he would be interested in bringing the player to North London, the strapline may read – there is another inference that can be made, a more positive, forward-looking one.

Such is Wenger’s want for privacy regarding his transfer dealings, for him to be so open about interest in a particular player perhaps suggests that there is a genuine possibility of a deal being done. Certainly, Arsenal are in need of a centre-forward, and Mbappe would satisfy much of their desires as a pacy, ruthless goalscorer, all at the tender age of 18.

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So while there are financial concerns that could restrict a move ever being completed, the very fact that Wenger is willing to be open and honest regarding his interest in Mbappe should inspire confidence that a deal is not beyond the realms of possibility. Whether the signings can be completed or not, only time will tell, but there is hope for what would be a truly outstanding addition.