Paper Round: Arsenal ready £125m Kylian Mbappe bid, Rooney staying put at United

Today's papers reports that Arsenal are preparing a bid for Monaco's young sensation, Kylian Mbappe, as Bayern Munich turn their attention to Alexis Sanchez, while Wayne Rooney is playing hardball with Manchester United.

Arsenal plan £125m Mbappe swoop

Arsene Wenger is planning to sign teenage Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe for £125m. The huge offer is designed to steal a march on Real Madrid, who have long been rumoured as the favourites to sign him. Wenger also wants Thomas Lemar, his colleague at the principality club, but is facing a struggle to sign Lyon's striker Alexandre Lacazette. Atletico Madrid may be able to convince him to wait six months and sign for the club after their transfer ban ends.

Our view: When it comes to acquiring top level players, Arsenal don't have what it takes to compete with the big boys. I doubt if the gunners have the audacity to fork out £125m for Mbappe knowing fully well that clubs like PSG, Madrid and United can outbid them. For us this is just a joke.

Ancelotti tempted by Sanchez

Speaking about Alexis Sanchez, Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti said, "If an opportunity comes up, the club will be ready... I like Alexis." Sanchez said recently that he now had a clear idea of his future, and most took that to mean that he would move to Manchester City. However, Ancelotti can offer a steady stream of trophies in Germany that are not necessarily on offer in the Premier League.

Our view: By now Sanchez should have decided his future knowing fully well that remaining at the Emirate is a no-brainer. It is well documented that Bayern are interested in his service so are Manchester City but like we know too Beyern wouldn't want to throw away such huge sum of money for a 28 year old. So watch this space. City might be his next destination. 

Rooney could stay at United

Wayne Rooney could yet remain at Manchester United. He is on £300,000 a week with his contract, and may have the option to unilaterally extend that for another year at the end of the 2017/2018 season. United have offered Rooney a £10m golden goodbye, but that is much less than his current contract would earn him. That means he could remain at the club for at least the next season. 

Our view: Rooney should know very well that his time at United is up. You don't need a soothsayer to tell you this. His form of late is nothing to write home about and how he intends to improve on that in the coming season remains a misery. Better for his career is to leave the club and save his future with the national team. He is of no use on the pitch.

Source: Eurosport