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Arsenal are set to lose the battle for Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba, according to reports in the French media.
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It was claimed earlier this month that the Gunners were leading the race for the 18-year-old, with his contract at the Ligue One champions set to expire.
However, L’Equipe have confirmed that Monaco are “very close” to beating Arsenal and Paris FC to Mbemba’s signature.
The teenager had been offered a professional contract by PSG, but he felt he had a better chance of playing first-team football elsewhere.
Work permit rules may have hindered Arsenal
Mbemba is 18 years of age, so he is old enough to make the switch to England, but it has been pointed out that the defender may not be eligible for a British visa on other grounds.
You need a certain number of points to qualify, and international appearances (at youth level) can help meet the requirements.
Mbemba has played for France at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level, so you would have thought he’d be eligble, but it may simply be the case that he decided to stay in France and join Monaco instead.
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Mbemba is not the only teenager the club have been pursuing
The Gunners are still locked in negotiations to sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City. An opening bid worth £5m was turned down by the Foxes, but there is still confidence that an agreement will eventually be reached.
Monga has made it known that moving to the Emirates is his top priority, having rejected approaches from several other Premier League clubs.
Mikel Arteta’s side may have to double their initial offer to sign the youngster, with Leicester reportedly holding out for £10m.