Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar

Arsenal are reportedly not giving up on signing Kylian Mbappe from Monaco and are also said to have "made a breakthrough" in their pursuit of his team-mate Thomas Lemar.

According to Vincent Villa of L'Equipe (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Express), despite reports that Real Madrid have agreed a £161 million deal for him, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has the "best relationship" with Mbappe of the managers to hold talks with him this summer.

Arsenal are also prepared to bid a world-record fee to land his signature.

Meanwhile, The Sun's Warren Haughton reported the Gunners are "closing in on a £45 million deal" for Lemar with Monaco set to relent to his wishes and allow him to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson offered a contrasting report, however:

Mbappe, 18, and Lemar, 21, lit up Ligue 1 last season and helped fire Monaco to the title as well as the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The former racked up 26 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, while the latter contributed 14 and 17, respectively.

Several of their team-mates have already been snapped up for big money this summer:

While Monaco may be reluctant to part with any more of their stars, the departures they have already allowed might have an adverse affect on those still at the club, given the effect they could have on the team's ability to defend their title.

Football.London's Charles Watts hinted as much in relation to Lemar:

If Mbappe were to leave—and Madrid seems a more likely destination even if Mbappe is a "long-term admirer" of Wenger—Monaco would likely be even more determined to keep Lemar.

However, Bleacher Report's James McNicholas believes it would signify the winger could still be attainable:

The question would then become how much Arsenal are prepared to pay for Lemar given the inflated price required to land him as it may exceed the reported £45 million by some distance.

He's a superb prospect who can already improve their starting lineup, but there could come a certain point where it would be wise to consider other options if Monaco's demands are too great.