Arsenal Transfer News: Kylian Mbappe Rumours and Hector Bellerin Latest

Arsenal will reportedly face major competition from Real Madrid if they wish to sign Kylian Mbappe, who is said to have already been subject of a world-record bid. Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin has described interest from Manchester City as "a compliment."

According to Spanish newspaper AS (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express), an unnamed English club has already had a £96 million offer for AS Monaco striker Mbappe rejected, and Real are raising serious intrigue in his talents:

The 18-year-old has been linked with a host of top European clubs following a breakout season that's seen him score 19 goals across all competitions and earn comparisons to fellow Monaco alumnus and Gunners legend Thierry Henry.

Statman Dave recently addressed him as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe, with a goal and assist record that more resembles that of a seasoned professional than a starlet in just his second senior season:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has looked to Alexis Sanchez as his main utility up front this season, but hopes of keeping the Chilean at the Emirates Stadium aren't high after the boss said contract talks have been put on hold, per BBC Sport.

It also doesn't help Arsenal's case that the club isn't guaranteed a top-four finish in the Premier League this season and could fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. What's more, Mbappe recently hinted at his La Liga preference when eight of the players in his dream XI hailed from Real or Barcelona, per Spanish daily Marca:

According to French newspaper Le Parisien (h/t TalkSport), however, Monaco are confident they can keep hold of Mbappe for one more season, even if the continent's titans come calling this summer.

Elsewhere, star Gunners right-back Bellerin has again talked down his chances of a move away from north London and told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (h/t the Daily Star's Lewis Winter) interest from City is a positive.

He said: "I know there has been interest from City, it's a compliment. That a coach like Guardiola wants you in his ranks is very nice, that is what motivates me even more, a sign that things are going well, but I still have a long way to go and to improve."

James Robson of the Manchester Evening News elaborated further on the Citizens' pursuit of the player and illustrated just how badly manager Pep Guardiola wants to sign the Spain international:

Bellerin went on to describe ex-Arsenal midfielder and current co-assistant to Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, as a "second father," although he suggested his former team-mate "never wanted to take me there [Etihad Stadium]."

City's pursuit of a new right-back would appear to align considering Pablo Zabaleta, 32, and Bacary Sagna, 34, are both ageing figures, although it's unlikely Bellerin—contracted until 2023 at Arsenal—will be sold to a direct rival.