'A tough one' - Thierry Henry reveals how Arsenal can stop Kylian Mbappe playing at 2024 Olympics

Thierry Henry has admitted he does not know whether Arsenal will sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Astonishingly, the Frenchman - regarded by many as the world’s best player - could leave the Ligue 1 giants for nothing this summer. His contract is set to expire in June unless he triggers the option for an extra year.

As part of last season’s contract extension, Mbappe waived a potential £100million “loyalty bonus”' should he leave on a free - a silver lining for PSG. But any potential suitor could negotiate that sum directly with the striker as a signing-on fee so he is not left out of pocket.

Real Madrid are tipped as the bookmakers’ favourite to land the 25-year-old should he seek pastures new. Premier League clubs, namely Liverpool and Arsenal, have also been linked with Mbappe but FFP/PSR regulations would make any deal difficult - despite no transfer fee involved.

Gunners legend Henry has confessed he does not know whether his former club is going to sign the striker. The 46-year-old also suggested any new club could stop Mbappe from competing in the Olympics - which France is set to host this year - despite his plea to play.

"What are you looking at me for?” Henry told CBS Sports. “I don't know, really. I don't have those insights. I haven't spoken to (Mbappe) yet directly about the Olympic situation. I have been calling players but I will keep that to myself obviously. But Mbappe went on TV the other day and said he would like to play them. But it will depend on the team.

"I need to explain to people. The Olympic Games are not a FIFA date. So teams can say no about releasing players. So it's not a matter if he wants to play (the Olympics), it’s if he will get the approval of his team to come.

"My issue is, if you agree that a player is going to come, but then he moves like a team can say, 'You can have him' – knowing that they will sell him. Now I need to find and beg another team to release the player. I am talking about teams abroad. It is a tough one."