Bournemouth join race for Arsenal target Mbemba

[Getty Images] Bournemouth have joined Arsenal in exploring a move for Paris St-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer. The Cherries have held initial talks over a development pathway for the 18-year-old left-back, who can also play at centre-back and will be available for a nominal training compensation fee when his contract at PSG expires. The plan would see Mbemba move on loan to Lorient - part of the Black Knight multi-club ownership group - to continue his development before potentially returning to play in the Premier League. It would not affect Marco Rose's first-team plans this summer, with Bournemouth primarily targeting a centre-back, working on a contract renewal for key midfielder Alex Scott and potentially looking to sign a striker should Enes Unal leave. Although Arsenal have offered a similar pathway, they are unable to provide it within the same ownership structure, which could give Bournemouth greater control over his playing time while on loan. Arsenal's proposal is still understood to have impressed, with Mikel Arteta's side pointing to their stable leadership and their track record of developing players, including France international William Saliba during a loan spell at Marseille. Mbemba is a France youth international and recently captained PSG's under-19 side to French Youth Cup success at the Stade de France.