Arsenal make offer to sign PSG defender on free transfer ahead of Barcelona

Revenge for Budapest? Not quite, but Arsenal could land one of PSG’s young stars (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal have made an approach to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer.

18-year-old Mbemba, who plays at centre-half and left-back, has had a bright campaign with PSG’s Under-19 side, captaining them in the Coupe Gambardella final victory over Montpellier in May.

The teenager has been offered his first professional deal by the French and European champions but he is now expected to leave the club when his youth contract expires this summer.

Mbemba has been tracked by Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich with Barcelona also closely monitoring him.

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Paris FC are also prepared to offer him a contract allowing him to remain in the French capital but Arsenal have also made an offer.

Le Parisien report the Gunners have ‘presented their project’ to the France Under-18 international having scouted him on several occasions this season.

A move to north London would present one problem however as Mbemba is unlikely to immediately qualify for a UK work permit. If they decide to proceed, Arsenal would have to send him on loan to another league until he has secured the required points granting him a permit.

Mbemba featured in last season’s Uefa Youth League (Picture: Getty Images)

While Mbemba would be regarded as a signing for the future, Arsenal are looking to strengthen the squad in four positions this summer at right-back, central midfield, left winger and striker.

Julian Alvarez is a dream target up front with talks recently taking place with the Atletico Madrid star’s agent. Junior Kroupi is another option after his excellent season at Bournemouth.

In central midfield, West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes is a target but competition for his services is intense with Manchester United, PSG and more recently Real Madrid joining the race for his signature.

Mbemba has also represented France at Under-18 level (Picture: Getty)

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has also been identified as a possible summer addition.

Arteta has reportedly personally sanctioned a move for the England international but former Villa star Emile Heskey has warned he could find himself down the pecking order in the capital.

‘Would it be difficult to say no to Arsenal? Yes and no,’ the former England international told Metro this week.

‘You have to look at who is ahead of you in both teams. He’s top of the pile at Villa, he is the main man. If he goes to Arsenal, where would he be in that pecking order and does it suit the way he plays?’

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