Arsenal Football Club are reportedly planning a raid on Paris Saint-Germain for young defender Emmanuel Mbemba following their heartbreaking UEFA Champions League final defeat on May 30. The Gunners lost 4-3 on penalties to PSG after a 1-1 draw at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
German international Kai Havertz gave Arsenal an early lead in the sixth minute, but reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele equalised in the 67th minute to force extra time. The match was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, where misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes handed PSG their second consecutive Champions League title.
Despite the European disappointment, Arsenal enjoyed a memorable domestic campaign, with Mikel Arteta guiding the North London club to their first Premier League title in 22 years. The club are now looking to strengthen their defensive options as Arteta aims to reduce goals conceded across all competitions next season.
Arsenal Target PSG Defender Emmanuel Mbemba
Premier League champions Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba, whose contract is set to expire before June 30. According to French outlet Le Parisien, the highly rated defender captained PSG's U19 side to Coupe Gambardella success, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.
However, the Gunners face stiff competition for his signature, with Barcelona and Paris FC also monitoring the French youth international's situation. Arsenal are expected to be active in the transfer market as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, while Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is also believed to be on the club's radar. Reports suggest, however, that Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona, following the path taken by Argentina legend Lionel Messi.
Kroenke Promises Continued Support
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke recently insisted that the club will not become complacent after winning the Premier League title. He promised that the board will continue to support Arteta in the transfer market as the Gunners seek further success both domestically and in Europe.
Kroenke said via Mirror: "The business never stops. Right now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that. We've already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch."
PSG Plan Squad Revamp
Legit.ng earlier reported that Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is reportedly planning changes to his squad as the French champions look to defend their title ahead of next season. The Spanish coach has approved a move for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, who is viewed as an ideal replacement for Bradley Barcola should the French forward depart the Parc des Princes this summer.
