Report: Liverpool joins Arsenal in pursuit of Monaco wonderkid Mbappe
Liverpool has apparently joined the growing list of clubs lining up bids to sign AS Monaco prodigy Kylian Mbappe.
Although Mbappe's heavily tipped for a move to Real Madrid, Liverpool will challenge Premier League rival Arsenal in pursuit of the 18-year-old, with the Reds concluding a deal is achievable because they can essentially guarantee first-team opportunities, reports Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph.
Regular playing time is believed to be a critical component that may convince Mbappe to leave Monaco, with reports Friday suggesting Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane met with the young forward to assure him that he would feature prominently in the Spanish capital.
The two English teams have allegedly gauged Mbappe's interest in moving to England, and both determined that he may prefer a move to the Premier League where he'll be afforded time to develop his skills. In contrast, a transfer to Real Madrid doesn't seem to coincide with Mbappe's reported desire to find a club willing to nurture his talent, especially given the astronomical expectations following a season that saw Zidane's men hoist both the Liga and Champions League trophies.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Liverpool could potentially beat out its Premier League rival to Mbappe's signature after securing a place in next season's Champions League, while Arsenal's fifth-place finish resigned the north London club to a place in the Europa League next season.
The Reds would likely have to triple their club-record transfer fee of €42 million - the amount Liverpool paid to secure Mohamed Salah's services from Roma - for Mbappe, as reports indicate Monaco will demand an offer in the region of €130 million before considering whether to sell the French international.
Arsenal's interest in Mbappe has been well-documented since manager Arsene Wenger admitted in February that he was monitoring the teenager. The Gunners reportedly made an audacious attempt to sign him shortly after the season with an €100-million offer that Monaco quickly turned down.