Arsenal Transfer News: Kylian Mbappe Latest, Alexandre Lacazette Rumours

AS Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has stated the club will not be looking to sell reported Arsenal target Kylian Mbappe this summer.

The 18-year-old sensation has burst on to the scene in spectacular style this season and was on the scoresheet once again on Wednesday night, as he helped his team dump Manchester City out of the UEFA Champions League.

Naturally, speculation about his future has gathered pace. But Vasilyev told RTL (h/t Jack Staplehurst of the Daily Express) he does not want to lose the forward.

"Our intention is to keep Mbappe," he said. "Mbappe is a product of our youth academy. He is our DNA. I am very proud."

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As noted by Staplehurst, a clutch of European football’s biggest names have been linked with a move for the striker, including the Gunners. Manchester United and Real Madrid are also said to be admirers.

Given the extraordinary talent he's showcased already this season, it'd be no surprise if top clubs were seriously interested in signing the youngster.

Mbappe has been one of the key parts of Monaco's remarkable campaign. Not only are the principality club top of Ligue 1 and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but they also play a vivacious attacking style.

That's allowed the likes of Bernardo Silva, Radamel Falcao and, of course, Mbappe to show their quality. James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph commented on the latter's talent during the game with City:

"

Mbappe is so urgent and feet so quick. Must be an absolute nightmare to play against

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) March 15, 2017"

There's a ruthless streak in his play that's rare in young players too. Mbappe has netted 17 goals in total in 2016-17 and has also secured five assists in Ligue 1.

Needless to say, his signing would be a massive coup for Arsenal, especially given the young forward has drawn comparisons with the likes of Thierry Henry. However, given just how highly he is rated, if Monaco did change their stance and opted to cash in this summer, there'd be massive competition to get him on board.

Alexandre Lacazette Price Set

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According to Le10 Sport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) Olympique Lyonnais have slapped a €60 million (£52.4 million) valuation on star forward and reported Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette.

Lyon revealed they rejected a bid from the Gunners for the France international last summer, and Coast stated that the Premier League side remain interested in landing the Frenchman. Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be keen.

However, Arsenal are said to be "positioned" to move for Lacazette, who has netted 22 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Here’s a look at why he's seemingly so coveted:

The Frenchman's record is testament to his exceptional composure in front of goal, while his physicality and pace make him a major threat to opposition defences.

As noted by sports journalist Teddy Cutler, there's a determined side to the striker's game that complements his attacking flair:

Per Coast, Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the striker, and supporters have grown tired of the saga. But with speculation about Alexis Sanchez's future still lingering, with John Cross of the Daily Mirror among those reporting the Chilean is set to leave the club, perhaps this is the summer when they'll spend big on a striker.

Given that Lyon face a fight to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League and the fact he'll turn 26 before the end of the campaign, maybe this summer is the right time for Lacazette to embark on a new challenge too.