By OkayGoal
Arsenal have quietly opened talks over a move for PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye, with reports suggesting the teenage winger was first offered to the Gunners by his representatives before club to club discussions began, even if things remain some way from advanced at this stage.
Arsenal exploring Ibrahim Mbaye transfer
According to transfer insider @afcfranchise, Arsenal are exploring the deal as a separate pursuit entirely from their long running interest in Julian Alvarez, which tells you something about how Arteta and his recruitment team are approaching this window, working multiple angles rather than putting all their eggs in one basket.
EXCLUSIVE : #AFC exploring deal to sign Ibrahim Mbaye from #PSG. Player was offered to Arsenal by agents + now club to club talks ongoing but nothing advanced. #LFC also in race + Mbaye open to both projects – #AFC want new winger. Separate to pursuit of Julian Alvarez. pic.twitter.com/Ue62o8gbAs
— (@franchiseafc) August 26, 2026
Liverpool, though, are also said to be firmly in the mix, and with Mbaye reportedly open to either project, this could well turn into one of those quietly fascinating tussles between two of the Premier League’s biggest sides for a player barely out of his teens.
It is easy to see why Arsenal would fancy their chances here regardless. A move to the Emirates offers Champions League football, a settled and clearly defined style under Arteta, and a front line that has shown under this manager it can turn promising wide players into genuine top level talents. Liverpool carry their own obvious pull too, and how Mbaye weighs those two very different pitches will be worth watching closely.
Author Opinion
For Arsenal, adding a winger of this profile would fit neatly into the wider picture of a squad being freshened up out wide, especially given that Martinelli is nearing a move to Al Hilal and that is where Arteta will need to bring in a replacement on that flank.
Nothing here suggests urgency just yet, talks are described as very much in the early stages, and PSG will not be short of suitors for a player they clearly rate given the interest already circling. But it is another reminder that Arsenal’s transfer business this summer runs far deeper than the headline chase for Alvarez, with Arteta seemingly determined to leave no stone unturned before the window shuts.
Whether this one develops into something concrete or quietly fades away, Gooners would do well to keep half an eye on it over the coming days.