Arsenal and Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to track Monaco’s prodigious trio of Mbappe, Bakayoko and Mendy.
According to Simon Jones of Mail Online, Arsenal and Manchester United sent scouts to the Monaco vs Manchester City Champions League Round of 16 game to keep an eye on Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy.
The French side went into the second leg with a two-goal deficit after having been beaten by the Citizens 5-3 at Etihad. Monaco were expected to attack from the opening whistle, and that is exactly what they did to cap off a remarkable 3-1 win on the night, and prevailed on away goals.
Mbappe, along with Valerie Germain and Bernardo Silva, led the line for Les Monegasques and helped them pull off one of their greatest ever victories in Europe’s elite club competition and saw they book a spot in the final eight.
The 18-year-old looked as sharp as a tack since the opening whistle and it took him only eight minutes to break the deadlock. Despite not finding the back of the net after that for the entire night, his overall performance was exemplary.
The same can be said about Bakayoko, who scored Monaco’s all important third goal that sent them into the quarter-finals. Not known for his goal-scoring exploits, it was a treat to the home fans as he they saw their defensive midfielder score a vital late goal.
Unlike his compatriots, left-back Benjamin Mendy did not have any eye-catching moments throughout the course of the ninety, but quietly went on about his job and nullified the threats that came his way from City’s right-flank.
Mbappe, Bakayoko and Mendy have been three of Monaco’s most influential players for the past two seasons and are all under the age of 23. They have hit the limelight at a very nascent stage of their career and have been linked with moves to a number of top European clubs.
Arsenal and Manchester United are among a plethora of suitors who are interested in the trio, and will be looking to do all they can to at least sign a couple of them.
Bakayoko is a no nonsense ball-playing defensive midfielder, and could easily walk into the Arsenal and Manchester United first teams. The Gunners have struggled to find a quality player in that position and could well do with the services of the Frenchman.
United, too, will have a massive void to fill should Michael Carrick leave in the summer, and Bakayoko provide a prospective replacement for the Englishman. Marouane Fellaini has struggled as a holding midfielder, and is not expected to be at the club for the long haul.
Mbappe has been likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, and the Gunners faithful will welcome him with open arms should he move to the Emirates. Despite his sale being ruled out by the Monaco chief, a magnanimous bid could see the hierarchy give in and let go of their starlet.
The North London side have not had a consistent out-and-out striker since Robin van Persie’s departure, and the 18-year-old Monaco star could be the focal point of the Arsenal attack for many years to come.
At 22, Mendy is still a raw product and has a number of years to exponentially grow to become one of the best full-backs in Europe. He undoubtedly has another decade at the top level in him, and is a safe investment for either of the Premier League clubs.
