Former Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has expressed remorse for failing to secure the signing of Kylian Mbappe in 2016 when the prolific striker visited the club’s training facility. Despite earnest efforts, Mbappe ultimately chose Paris Saint-Germain, and Grimandi believes that the chances of Arsenal acquiring the 25-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract, are slim.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Grimandi recalled the unfortunate timing of the pursuit, occurring after a league loss to Swansea and just before a crucial match against Tottenham. He considers the failure to sign Mbappe as one of the most significant disappointments during his 15 years as a scout for Arsenal.
While recognizing Mbappe’s transformative potential for any club, Grimandi believes that only a select few can afford the substantial salary that comes with signing the French star. Despite persistent links to Real Madrid, Grimandi speculates that Mbappe might end up at the Spanish club. Despite the allure for top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City, Grimandi’s instinct suggests that Mbappe is likely to either stay at Real Madrid or remain with PSG.
Looking into the future, Grimandi envisions the exciting possibility of witnessing both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe playing in the same league. He emphasizes the uniqueness of this scenario, especially if Mbappe were to join Arsenal. However, Grimandi acknowledges the considerable challenges in securing Mbappe’s signature, given the competitive landscape and potential financial constraints faced by clubs.
