Transfers
Arsenal's left‑back hopes stall as Paris FC clinches Mbemba
Arsenal’s chase of Paris Saint‑Germain youth defender Emmanuel Mbemba collapsed, and the 18‑year‑old has instead signed a long‑term contract with Ligue 1 side Paris FC until 2030, ending the summer transfer saga that saw the Gunners once favoured to secure the left‑back prospect.
Arsenal viewed Mbemba as a long‑term left‑back option, despite his recent experience at centre‑back with PSG’s youth squads, and saw the signing as a way to bolster defensive depth.
Earlier in June, reports linked AS Monaco with the player and suggested the club was set to win the race, while Arsenal had been the favourites after a reported approach in late June.
Paris FC confirmed Mbemba’s deal runs to 2030, ending speculation about his next club and noting the teenager was available for just over £150,000 in training compensation after his PSG contract expired at the end of that month.
Arsenal’s proposed plan involved sending Mbemba on an initial loan move in Europe until January 2027, giving the Gunners time to secure a work permit for the defender.
The move leaves Arsenal still needing to arrange the loan and obtain the required permit, while Mbemba’s long‑term contract with Paris FC secures his immediate future in Ligue 1.