Arsenal target Emmanuel Mbemba set to join AS Monaco

Emmanuel Mbemba (18), a reported target for Arsenal, is set to join AS Monaco from Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report from L’Équipe.

>As reported by Le Parisien earlier this month, Mbemba, the captain of PSG’s U18s team, had a contract offer on the table. It would have been a first professional contract with his formative club. However, the centre-back favoured a departure from the Parc des Princes.

>The France U18 international (eight caps) had been the subject of an approach from Arsenal, who have presented their project to the player, Le Parisien added. There was also interest from Paris FC, as well as from Bayer Leverkusen.

>Ultimately, however, Mbemba looks set to remain in France and sign for Monaco. The length of his prospective deal – his first professional contract – has not yet been revealed. It is another blow for PSG, who are set to lose another bright academy product.