In the world of football transfers, dream signings grab headlines. For Arsenal, one such dream is Kylian Mbappe. Leading journalist David Ornstein says Mbappe would be the perfect fit for Arsenal if money were no object. In this article, we look at why Mbappe makes sense for Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta, what the obstacles are, and what it tells us about Arsenal’s ambitions.
Mbappe fits Arteta’s vision
Ornstein revealed that when asked what Arsenal’s dream signing would be, his pick was Mbappe. He said: “Mbappe… it’s not about who they will sign, but who I think would fit in nicely.” That comment shows what kind of player Arteta wants: one who fits the style, the ambition, the mould.
Arteta himself has said a lot. When a player of Mbappe’s level is on the market, Arsenal must “always have to be in the conversation”. He also said that to become the best team, the club must bring in the best talent. So Mbappe ticks two big boxes. He has world-class ability and the right fit for the club’s ambition.
What Mbappe brings to the table
Mbappe is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Ornstein’s article reminds us of his stats: he scored many goals for his previous club and for his country.
For Arsenal, a player like that could bring: Goals – Arsenal still looks for a consistent elite goalscorer.
Big game presence – Someone used to win, used to pressure.
Brand and ambition – Signing Mbappe sends a message: we’re serious.
And that connects with Arteta’s message that Arsenal wants the best talent if they want to be the best.
Why this signing feels more “dream” than “likely”
Despite all this, there are big hurdles. Ornstein and other commentators agree the move is very hard. For example:
Mbappe is under contract until 2029 at Real Madrid. His wage demand and signing-on fee would be huge.
Real Madrid are the strong favourites for him. So while the fit is perfect on paper, the reality of transfer markets means this may remain a fantasy rather than happening soon.
What this tells us about Arsenal’s ambition
The fact that Ornstein names Mbappe as Arsenal’s dream shows something important: Arsenal are aiming high. They’re not just looking to be competitive; they want to challenge the very top. Arteta’s remarks reinforce that: when asked if Arsenal should be interested in Mbappe he said: “Absolutely. Why not? If we want to be the best team, then we are going to need the best talent.”
Potential impact: what if it happened?
If Mbappe did sign for Arsenal, the impact could be huge:
Arsenal could get a genuine top-forward who changes games. Which would be better.
It would raise the club profile worldwide. And might attract other elite players. It might shift the balance in the Premier League. The truly world-class striker could give Arsenal the edge.
However, there would also be pressure: living up to the signing, handling huge expectations, integrating into the team and style that Arteta uses. Mbappe is used to that, but a move to the Premier League always carries risk.
Author’s Insight
From what we’ve seen, this move is more about what it represents than the real likelihood of it happening. Arsenal have made it clear they want to be elite. Mbappe is the ultimate symbol of that ambition. Yet the financial, contractual and competitive realities make it a long-shot.
Still, the discussion is valuable. It shows that Arsenal are no longer satisfied with “top-six” – they want to be “top-one.” Arteta’s project is at a stage where a player like Mbappe would make sense. Whether that becomes reality or not remains to be seen.
In short: Mbappe to Arsenal may be a dream. But the fact it’s a serious conversation is a sign of how far Arsenal have come – and how far they still want to go.
