Arsenal almost signed Kylian Mbappe in 2013

Former Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has recalled how the Gunners missed out on signing French football star, Kylian Mbappe, in 2013.

Grimandi who worked as an Arsenal scout for 13 years, said they held talks with Mbappe before losing him to Monaco.

He told The Sun;

“The job of scouting is about finding but also missing players. For me, it is Kylian Mbappe. We just could not convince him.

“He was out of contract in June 2013 and we met him in February. If we could have convinced him to join, he would have changed the club — but he then decided on Monaco.

 “Arsenal were not always playing their best so it was quite complicated. At first it was easy, as soon as we talked to a player he wanted to sign it. However, if you are not getting results it is difficult to bring top players to help the team. That’s why it is important to stay at the top for as long as possible. It is so much easier. Yet the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, who I watched develop, prove you should never forget the talent you have inside your club, even in difficult times.”