Ex-Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit warns Kylian Mbappe over risky departure after Anthony Martial’s Manchester United struggles

Former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes it could be a risk for highly-rated Kylian Mbappe to leave Monaco this summer after Anthony Martial's experiences.

Mbappe’s form, as Monaco charged towards the Ligue 1 title, caught the eye last season and the 18-year-old forward has fast become the most in-demand footballer this summer.

But Petit, who played for Monaco between 1988 and 1997, emphasised the relatively short time the exciting youngster has been playing first-team football and suggested a move could be detrimental to his development.

“Don’t forget that he [Mbappe] just exploded into football six months ago - that’s it,” Petit told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“He doesn’t have a whole season playing every single game, every weekend, so we have seen his potential, which is amazing, but if he leaves Monaco he doesn’t get the security or the guarantee to play regularly if he goes to a bigger club.

“So it’s kind of a risk for him but I think he has the potential as well, mentally, to fight for his position.

“But I think a year before the World Cup, we are not qualified yet with the national team, I think it’s a risk.

“Can he take that risk? I don’t know yet because I haven’t seen much from him, just six months - that’s it.”

Mbappe has been linked with moves to virtually every major European side and the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been talked about as potential destinations.

However, Petit has highlighted the case of Martial, who was a high-profile departure from Monaco when he joined Manchester United in 2015.

While the 21-year-old was impressive in his first few months in Manchester his form has dipped under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho and Petit believes Martial’s experiences could serve as a warning to Mbappe.

“Remember two years ago we had almost the same example with Martial - he left Monaco for Manchester United,” the former French international explained.

“Martial was very good for the first months with Manchester United and since Mourinho is managing the team he’s not in the same position anymore.

“So it’s kind of a risk. Talent is something very important in football but you need to have confidence as well from your teammates and your manager.”