Arsene Wenger Claims He Tried to Sign 'Next Thierry Henry' Kylian Mbappe Last Season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed in pre-match FA Cup press conference prior to his side's clash with non-league Lincoln City, that he made an approach for 18-year-old Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe last season.

Mbappe who has recently broken into Ligue 1 leaders AS Monaco's starting XI has attracted the interest of several big European clubs. The French striker has netted 13 times already this campaign and has been one of the standout performers in Leonardo Jardim's free-scoring side. 

The Gunners manager believes that the talented youngster has an impressive career ahead of him, and even likened him to one of Arsenal's greatest ever players Thierry Henry.

As reported by the Mirror, Arsene Wenger said: I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him.

“He reminds me of a young Thierry Henry with the same clever look about him. They have the same qualities of intelligence in his movement and finishing."

Wenger, who is currently under plenty of pressure from sections of the Arsenal support to leave North London, has had a pretty disappointing season as the Gunners sit outside the top four and exited the Champions League 10-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.

Wenger isn't the only admirer of Mbappe and both Manchester United and Manchester City are linked with preparing to lure the youngster to the Premier League this summer.

"Unfortunately today, all these young players are in full view from very, very early on and all the big clubs want them," Wenger added.

“I hope the fact that everybody is already talking of nobody but him isn’t going to have a negative impact on his future.”