Arsenal are set to miss out on Emmanuel Mbemba, with the Paris Saint-Germain defender now expected to join AS Monaco.
The 18-year-old had been monitored by Arsenal as part of the club’s continued push to strengthen its academy and development pathway.
However, reports in France now claim Monaco are close to winning the race for one of PSG’s most highly-rated young defenders.
Mbemba is due to leave PSG after rejecting the offer of a first professional contract with the French champions.
The left-footed defender had attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris FC.
Bournemouth had also explored a move in recent days, with the Cherries proposing a development pathway that could have included a loan to Lorient.
Arsenal’s proposal was also understood to have appealed to the player, with the Gunners able to point to their record of developing young defenders.
William Saliba’s pathway from France to Arsenal’s first team was believed to have been referenced as part of the club’s pitch.
However, Monaco now appear to have moved ahead of the competition and are expected to keep Mbemba in Ligue 1.
That would represent a blow for Arsenal, who saw the teenager as a player with long-term potential rather than an immediate first-team signing.
Mbemba is primarily a centre-back but can also operate at left-back, making him an attractive profile for clubs looking to develop versatile defenders.
He has also represented France at youth level and recently captained PSG’s Under-19 side to French Youth Cup success.
His expected departure continues a difficult trend for PSG, who have struggled to convince several players from their 2008 generation to sign professional terms.
Of the players born in that year who were offered contracts, only attacking midfielder Adam Ayari has so far committed his future to the club.
Others, including Mahamadou Sangare, Ibrahim Mbaye-linked teammates and several academy prospects, have chosen to continue their development elsewhere.
For Arsenal, the likely outcome underlines the increasingly competitive nature of the youth market.
The Gunners have been aggressive in targeting elite teenagers this summer but cannot win every race, particularly when European clubs can offer different pathways and fewer work-permit complications.
Mbemba’s expected move to Monaco now leaves Arsenal to assess alternative defensive targets as they continue reshaping their academy structure.
The club remain committed to identifying high-upside young players, but this particular pursuit appears to be moving away from north London.