Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal tried to sign Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe last summer.
The 67-year-old has previously admitted he has been monitoring the exciting 18-year-old who has helped Monaco to the top of Ligue 1 this season.
Mbappe has scored 15 goals this season which has brought him to the attention of Europe’s top clubs and Wenger claims he has already made an approach.
“I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him,” Wenger said via the Mirror.
“Unfortunately today, all these young players are in full view from very, very early on and all the big clubs want them.
“I hope the fact that everybody is already talking of nobody but him isn’t going to have a negative impact on his future.”
Mbappe has been likened to Thierry Henry due to his playing style and has already broken the striker’s record at Monaco by becoming the club’s youngest ever scorer.
Wenger says he understands the comparison with the former Arsenal legend and feels they are very similiar players.
“He reminds me of a young Thierry Henry with the same clever look about him,” added the Gunners boss.
“They have the same qualities of intelligence in his movement and finishing.”
Mbappe is one of the most highly-rated talents in Europe currently and looks set to be the subject of huge interest this summer after a superb season with Leonardo Jardim’s side.