Arsenal learn Kylian Mbappe transfer answer after Edu and Mikel Arteta sanction scouting trip

Arsenal may be facing another quiet transfer window due to profit and sustainability rules. The Gunners signed no new players in January after a busy summer saw them spend over £200million to welcome Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz with David Raya later joining on a season-long loan from Brentford.

Despite the club's pre-planned targets, an amazing opportunity presented itself following Kylian Mbappe's decision to not sign an extension at Paris Saint-Germain. After months of links to some of Europe's biggest clubs, the call was eventually made that he would stay in France and a final decision would be made later on in the season.

That time has now arrived, with Mbappe publicly announcing his departure on social media. Mikel Arteta has previously revealed that Arsenal should be in the conversation to sign Mbappe however agreeing personal terms was always seen as a stumbling block.

Alongside Mbappe, Ajax's Jorrel Hato is another player that has been of interest to Arsenal with it possible they revisit that to bolster their defensive depth, despite the major issue that emerged in March. Here, football.london rounds up the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.

Mbappe transfer announcement

"Why not?," Arteta boldly told reporters when asked if Mbappe could join Arsenal. "If we want to be the best team, we are going to need the best talent and the best players, that is for sure." Such an answer was a clear indication of where Arteta believes his Arsenal project is heading.

Given the links to French legend Arsene Wenger, Mbappe moving to Arsenal was always a possibility however him joining Real Madrid as his dream destination always seemed inevitable. While the 24-year-old did not reveal his next club, the belief that has been the case since February, is that he will sign for Madrid as a free agent.

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football.london says: "Signing Mbappe would be a sensational coup for Arsenal and despite Arteta's claim, it was still a slightly unrealistic idea. However it was clearly telling of how far the Gunners have come in the last two seasons with their appeal likely to increase if they usurp Manchester City from their Premier League thrown.

If Man City do claim their fourth consecutive title though, it will be clear that Arsenal are missing that marquee signing. Mbappe joining Madrid could open the door for a superstar from Spain to make the move to England with Rodrygo one option that could transform the Gunners."

Hato to Arsenal update

Even though Hato signed a new contract in the Netherlands earlier this year, hopes of him still joining Arsenal remain with the club clearly not giving up. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are continuing to monitor the teenage defender with many scouting trips taking place over the last few months.

Having penned fresh terms, Hato is contracted to Ajax until 2028 however no release clause appears to be present. That at least gives Arsenal some hope they can agree a favourable deal if Arteta and Edu ultimately decide to pursue his services.

football.london says: "If Arsenal can lure Hato away from Ajax, it would an amazing signing. Despite only being 18, Hato has already shown just how good he is and Arsenal are certainly not afraid of signing young centre-backs with William Saliba a key example."

"Depth being acquired in defence is a priority for Arsenal with the four likely starting options, when all are fit, of Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, a level above their back up options. However, Hato would certainly help bridge that gap."