Arsenal are reportedly still hopeful of completing a deal for AS Monaco winger Kylian Mbappe despite claims that he is closing in on a world-record move to Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old has been linked with a host of Europe's top clubs throughout the summer following his breakthrough campaign last season, when he scored 26 goals across all competitions to help fire Monaco to the semi-finals of the Champions League and Ligue 1 title.
Real Madrid are understood to be in pole position for Mbappe's signature, with reports suggesting that the two clubs have agreed a £161m fee for the France international.
Manchester City are also rumoured to have matched Madrid's approach, although sources from the Etihad have claimed that there is no truth to those reports.
However, L'Equipe claims that Arsenal are not entirely out of the running to sign the youngster due to his good relationship with manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal's financial clout may not be able to match up to that of Madrid or Man City, though, while the Gunners would also be unable to offer Champions League football next season.
Barney Corkhill
