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Kylian Mbappe says he turned down an opportunity to move to Arsenal in favour of Paris Saint-Germain.
The teenage sensation sealed his move to the French capital from Monaco last week after a summer of being hunted by Europe’s elite.
Mbappe has initially joined Unai Emre’s side on loan, but PSG have agreed to pay Monaco €166m for a permanent move next summer.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the 18 year-old confirmed his Arsenal snub.
“Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach. He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well-respected and knows how to develop young players. This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris St Germain was the main option.”
Mbappe added: “We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs but my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make. It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop.”
The striker has joined world record signing Neymar in Paris and the pair are expected to form a formidable partnership in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season.
The Frenchman added that his boyhood love for PSG made the decision to come far easier.
“Being here is like going back home for me. I used to come to this stadium when I was a boy to watch games.”
