How Henry could help Arsenal sign Mbappe

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 7 Jul 2023 16:27 BST
• 3 min read

Thierry Henry could have an important role to play if Arsenal are to make a stunning swoop for Kylian Mbappe.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last month that the Gunners were considering a move for Mbappe next summer – when the France superstar’s PSG contract expires.

And club legend Ray Parlour – who still holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by an Arsenal player – feels that fellow Gunners icon Henry could hold the key to getting a deal for Mbappe over the line…

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In an interview with JBI Training, Parlour said: “It's funny you mention Henry whispering in the player’s ear, because I live close to Mark Noble and every time I see him I ask him about Declan Rice [who is set to join Arsenal from West Ham]! I’m sure Thierry could play a role if there was genuine interest from both Arsenal and Mbappe.

“We all know that rumours can be a bit silly, but how exciting would that be if Arsenal could bring a player like Mbappe? We love the rumours and the gossip; it’s a big part of football. That is the kind of rumour that ,as an Arsenal fan, you want to be hearing.

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PSG put their foot down

Mbappe has reportedly PSG that he won’t be taking up the option to extend his contract beyond the end of the 2023/24 season – which would make him a free agent this time next year.

Yet again, the 24-year-old has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid – who tried, and failed, to sign him last year.

And PSG have made their position perfectly clear: “If Kylian Mbappe wants to stay – we want him to stay – he needs to sign a new contract,” said club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on Wednesday (July 5). “We cannot let the best player in the world right now leave for free. That is impossible.”

That stance might rule Arsenal out of the running for the 2018 World Cup winner’s signature, then…