Arsenal have made an approach for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) youngster Emmanuel Mbemba to join them this summer, as per reports. The Premier League champions are looking to land the highly-rated defender as they look to sign young players for the future.
According to French outlet Le Parisien, Mikel Arteta's side have already presented their proposal to 18-year-old defender Mbemba ahead of a possible free transfer. The teenager is set to reach the end of his youth contract with the European champions this summer and has yet to put pen to paper on professional terms.
French youth international Emmanuel Mbemba was a stalwart for the PSG U-19 team in the 2025-26 season, captaining them to Coupe Gambardella glory in May. The teenager is able to play at center-back or left-back, and is being watched closely by a number of different sides. He was not in the PSG squad that defeated Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest seven days ago, as he is yet to break into Luis Enrique's first-team set-up.
Arsenal view Mbemba as a signing for the future, judging by the fact that he will be ineligible for a work permit in England if he joins them this summer. He will need to spend time on loan in a different league for a year, at least, even if he opts to accept the Gunners' project.
Mbemba has been scouted on a number of occasions by Arsenal but is not short of suitors, with Paris FC, Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich all credited with interest. His lack of senior action at the Parc des Princes could prompt him to join Arteta's side if a viable pathway is presented to him.
Arsenal can cite Saliba example to convince Mbemba
Arsenal can look to convince Emmanuel Mbemba to join them this summer using William Saliba as an example for the Frenchman. The 25-year-old center-back, who is set to represent France at the FIFA World Cup this summer, is a key player for Mikel Arteta's side.
Saliba joined the Gunners from French club Saint-Etienne aged just 18 in July 2019, spending time on loan at Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Olympique Marseille. He returned as a full-fledged first-team player for the Gunners in the 2022-23 season and has been a key player since.
Mbemba is the same age Saliba was when he joined the Gunners, and will surely be tempted by the possibility of emulating his compatriot. The youngster is regarded very highly in France, where he is seen as the next big thing in his position.