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Arsenal: With or without Kylian Mbappe, excitement reigns
Per L’Equipe, Arsenal have made a £87 million offer for Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe. Whether he signs or not, Arsene Wenger has made a statement and excitement reigns in me because of it.
The summer transfer window is here. Usually, for Arsenal, that means reading endless rumours linking them to players that they will never sign, only for a late August scramble to feign an attempt at addressing the many needs that still cripple the squad. Rarely it is a successful period.
Related Story: Arsenal: 3 conclusions from delicious Kylian Mbappe bid
But after a turbulent season in which the club and the fans were divided over the future of Arsene Wenger, the ambition and the interest of the owner and the whole structure and setup of the organisation, there seems to be a strange and unusual amount of hope entering the summer.
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Wenger signed a new two-year deal earlier this week, ensuring that his future would remain at the Emirates for the time being. While it is a decision that has angered many factions of the fan base, there does seem to be an acknowledgement of the vociferous reaction throughout the season. The demand for change is being heard. And now, surprisingly, it is seemingly being acted upon also.
It broke on Thursday night, per a report from L’Equipe, that Arsenal submitted a £87 million offer for Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe. As I write this and news continues to break, one thing is becoming clear: the offer is real. Yes, Arsenal did actually submit an offer of such incredible proportions for an 18-year-old prodigy that the whole world would like to sign. Remarkable, I know.
The more recent reports on Friday morning, however, indicate that Monaco have decided to reject the offer, reiterating that Mbappe is not for sale. Whether true or not, only time will tell. But that will not stop excitement ruling over me. More than the prospect of Mbappe featuring in North London, I am excited that Wenger is being committed and convicted in the transfer window; he is acting with purpose, direction and efficiency.
Rarely has Wenger ever acted with such certainty. He is so often hesitant, dallying in his thoughts, until the target has passed, his squad has weakened and panic sets in as the new season sets in. Not this time. Not only is Wenger prepared to spend the big bucks – £87 million would more than double the club’s record transfer fee – but he is willing to do quickly.
Next: Arsenal: 3 players impacted by potential Kylian Mbappe signing
The change that fans have been pining for may not be the change that they wanted. Wenger is still the manager. But if this bid for Mbappe portrays anything, it is that Wenger has heard the cries of the fans and has changed because. Arsenal may not have a different manager, but they may just a new one.