Arsenal legend Thierry Henry scoffed at the idea that he has any insight into links between Kylian Mbappe and his former club.
Real Madrid have long been touted as the only possible landing spot for Mbappe but 90min understands Los Blancos are not prepared to match PSG’s contract offer to the 25-year-old, creating some uncertainty about his future.
With reports suggesting Mbappe’s entourage have been unimpressed by Madrid, Arsenal have been thrown into the mix with claims that Mbappe would be interested in moving to the Emirates to follow in the footsteps of Henry.
One potential complication in negotiations is Mbappe’s determination to represent France at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer – something he views as non-negotiable.
As it is not a FIFA-approved tournament, clubs have the power to block Mbappe from linking up with the Olympic team, which just so happens to be managed by Henry himself.
After Mbappe steered PSG to a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday, Henry opened up on the links to Arsenal and the dilemma that comes with Mbappe’s Olympic desire.
“What are you looking at me for?” he laughed when asked about the links between Arsenal and Mbappe on CBS Sports. “I don’t know, really. I don’t have those insights.”
He continued: “I didn’t speak to [Mbappe] yet directly about the Olympic situation. I have been calling players, as you know, but I will keep that to myself obviously.
But Mbappe went on TV the other day and said he would like to play them. But it will depend on the team.
“I need to explain to people. The Olympic Games are not a FIFA date. So teams can say no about releasing players. So it’s not a matter if he wants to play [the Olympics], it’s if he will get the approval of his team to come.
“Having players who play for French teams… the Olympics is in France… I would like to think they will release the players. The problems are with players who play for teams abroad. They do not have to send them. That’s going to be tricky.
“My issue is, if you agree that a player is going to come, but then he moves, like a team can say, ‘You can have him’ – knowing that they will sell him. Now I need to find and beg another team to release the player. I am talking about teams abroad. It is a tough one.”
90min understands PSG have already committed to releasing Mbappe for the Olympic Games but he is yet to receive such assurances from Madrid. With the competition running until mid-August, any involvement would see Mbappe miss pre-season.
What we know
- Arsenal have recently been linked with Mbappe as Real Madrid are yet to convince the Frenchman
- Mbappe’s demands include time off to represent France at the Olympic Games this summer
- Henry will take charge of France’s Olympic team.