When Kylian Mbappe makes himself available, transfer plans change. They certainly should for Arsenal who face a pivotal summer transfer window in their continued development under Mikel Arteta. Last season, the Gunners exceeded expectations to finish second in the Premier PINC League table. Mbappe is the sort of player who could push them to the top.

Mbappe’s public confirmation that he won’t sign a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain, meaning he will become a free agent next summer, sent shockwaves through the elite level of European soccer. The Frenchman is one of the best players in the world and so he will have no shortage of suitors.

Real Madrid are long-time admirers of Mbappe and could once again register their interest in the French international this summer. However, the Spanish giants have already committed to paying €100m for the signing of Jude Bellingham and are close to the end of a €900m renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu. Finding the money to sign Mbappe as well might be impossible.

Arsenal, however, have yet to make their first significant signing of the summer. The Gunners are reportedly in discussions with West Ham over a move for Declan Rice who could cost as much as £100m, but no transfer has been sealed. This gives Arsenal room to manoeuvre if they wanted to change tact.

The North London club are also expected to target a full back and potentially another central midfielder this summer with Kieran Tierney and Granit Xhaka potentially moving on. Some fans also argue Arsenal need another central defender to prevent the sort of drop-off witnessed last season when William Saliba was sidelined through injury.

Opportunities like the one to sign Mbappe don’t arise every summer, though, and Arsenal would be foolish not to at least put together a package to entice the forward. A switch to the Premier League would surely hold some appeal for Mbappe while the Gunners will be in the Champions League next season.

Any pitch to Mbappe by Arsenal could use Thierry Henry to show the 24-year-old what he could become in North London. Arteta would surely build around Mbappe as one of the best players of his generation just as Arsene Wenger did with Henry. Arsenal could give Mbappe a platform for the next phase of his career.

Arsenal must be ambitious to stand any chance of catching Manchester City at the top of English and European soccer and a move for Mbappe would certainly be ambitious. This is the sort of transfer that would move the needle for the Gunners. If Mbappe is open to a new project, the Gunners should at least make their case.