Arsenal have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain over a free transfer move for teenage defender Emmanuel Mbemba, with the 18-year-old open to joining the English champions this summer.

PSG have offered Mbemba a new contract, but the young centre-back has not closed the door on a departure when his deal expires at the end of June. Training compensation is expected to amount to just over £150,000.

Saliba's path used as a blueprint

Arsenal reached out early in the process and laid out their vision for Mbemba's development, pointing to William Saliba's loan spell at Marseille as a model for how the club nurtures young talent. The Gunners reportedly plan to send Mbemba out on a European loan until January 2027, giving him time to obtain a work permit before playing in England.

Though Mbemba has featured primarily as a centre-back in PSG's youth setup, Arsenal envisage him as a long-term solution at left-back — a position where the club have sought additional cover.

Player drawn to Arsenal's stability

Mbemba is said to favour Arsenal above other interested parties, impressed by the consistency and ambition the club have demonstrated under manager Mikel Arteta. The prospect of joining a club with clear direction and recent trophy success appears to appeal to the teenager.

A France youth international, Mbemba recently led PSG's under-19 side to French Youth Cup glory, captaining the team in the final at the Stade de France — a result that underlines his credentials as one of the more promising young defenders in the country.