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5 offensive players Arsenal should target this summer

By Danny Alvarez

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Managers Arsene Wenger of Arsenal and Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea clash during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Managers Arsene Wenger of Arsenal and Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea clash during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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1. Kylian Mbappé, Monaco

MONACO, MONACO – MAY 17: Kylian Mbappe of Monaco celebrates his goal during the French Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and AS Saint-Etienne (ASSE) at Stade Louis II on May 17, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
MONACO, MONACO – MAY 17: Kylian Mbappe of Monaco celebrates his goal during the French Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and AS Saint-Etienne (ASSE) at Stade Louis II on May 17, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene as one of Europe’s hottest talents, racking up a total of 26 goals across all competitions in his breakout season.

On February 11, Mbappé netted his first career hat-trick Ligue 1 hat-trick of his career, becoming the youngest player to do so since 17-year-old Jérémy Ménez did it 12 years ago.

The young Monaco striker—who also notched his first international cap for France in March—has been rumored to Arsenal for months, with reports all but confirming the French phenom’s Anfield arrival.

More significantly, he’s seemed open to the idea of joining the Gunners.

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According to the latest reports out of London, insiders say Arsenal is willing to fork over Monaco’s £85 million price tag, more than twice the current £40 million transfer record  paid for Mesut Ozil.

But Arsenal isn’t the only squad vying for Mbappé’s services.

Jose Mourinho is said to want him, Real Madrid already bid a record £103 million and either could snatch the Frenchman before Arsenal even gets a chance to pitch.

But even with lighter pockets, Arsenal could still make a strong bid. According to Mbappé’s latest sentiments, he wants guaranteed playing time, wherever he goes.

“I’ll be the only one who decides, along with my family. No one will decide for me. I won’t go anywhere where I have been told to go. It’ll be my choice, and I’ll back that choice,” Mbappé told beIN Sports.

According to the latest reports, Arsenal intends to guarantee just that—something Real Madrid, Juventus and Man U will not.

“All I want to do is play. I’m at an age where I have to play. I’m not 35 or 36 years old towards the end of my career or where I have to be careful,” he said.

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