Arteta believes that Arsenal should be 'in the conversation' with Mbappe

Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal should be 'in the conversation' as Kylian Mbappe decides on his next club as he departs PSG at the end of the season.

The French superstar has been at the centre of an incredibly lucrative tug of war between the Parisians and Real Madrid for several years, that finally looks set to come to a conclusion.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are expected to add the World Cup winner to their impressive roster next term after he informed PSG that he will leave when his contract expires.

It has also been interpreted as a clear signal Mbappe is prepared to drop his financial demands. That has not stopped reports linking the striker with a move to the Emirates or their Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners' clash against Burnely on Saturday, Arteta chose not to shy away from the matter but hinted at the striker's likely destination.

'Well, when there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation.' The Arsenal manager said on Friday. 'But as you said, it looks  to be going a different way.

According to The Independent, Mbappe would be open to signing for the north Londoners but the Gunners aren't prepared to break their financial strategy in order to facilitate a deal.

A switch would mean following in the footsteps of legendary fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry.

Henry scored a club record 228 goals for the Gunners and was a key part of the club's famous Invincibles side that won the Premier League title in 2003-04 without losing a single game.

Mbappe has often been compared to Henry throughout is career, with both players having made their senior breakthrough at Monaco.

During his time at PSG, Mbappe has scored a hugely impressive 242 goals in 289 appearances.

Mail Sport understands Madrid are willing to make Mbappe the club's top earner, surpassing the £10.3m per season they pay Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

They will also pay a signing-on fee of around £85.5m and open talks over what percentage of his image rights he retains.

The player's mother Fayza Lamari wants Madrid to abandon their usual 50-50 split between club and player and Madrid president Florentino Perez is likely to cede to those demands.

Mbappe is expected to take the No 10 shirt that Luka Modric will vacate in the summer. His arrival would give Madrid a forward line of Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo, supported by Bellingham.