Jump directly to the content
'He's electric just like Thierry'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he is tracking Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe

The French Under-19 international may only be 18 years old but he is already one of the most sought-after talents in Europe

Sponsored by

Paddy Power

ARSENE WENGER has admitted he is tracking Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.

The French Under-19 international may only be 18 years old but he is already one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.

 Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is tracking Monaco's new young superstar Kylian Mbappé
4
Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is tracking Monaco's new young superstar Kylian MbappéCredit: Getty Images

His mix of lightning pace, power and skill have seen Mbappe - who has been linked with Manchester City - compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.


Keep up to date with ALL the Arsenal news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary


Wenger told the Ligue 1 show: "He is not exactly Thierry Henry but it is true that he has similar qualities and the future and talent is similar.

"The potential is similar, after that if he has the same level of motivation, desire and intelligence that Thierry has, and the next two to three years will tell us that, then he can be very promising.

"The guys that have super talent are already playing at 18.

 Kylian Mbappé is Monaco's youngest ever player and goalscorer
4
Kylian Mbappé is Monaco's youngest ever player and goalscorerCredit: Getty Images
 Kylian Mbappé has had a similar rise up the ranks at Monaco to Thierry Henry
4
Kylian Mbappé has had a similar rise up the ranks at Monaco to Thierry HenryCredit: AP:Associated Press

"Those who are not playing at 18 or 19 do not have that exceptional talent and he does play over here at the top level.

"He is a guy who is electric like Thierry was, can dribble, can pass and is efficient.

"We follow him, we know him very well, and he is developing well.

"He extended his contract with Monaco last season and so it's Monaco who is going to decide his future. He could be another Thierry Henry."

 Kylian Mbappé has been compared to former Monaco star and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry
4
Kylian Mbappé has been compared to former Monaco star and Arsenal legend Thierry HenryCredit: Getty Images

Mbappe has followed a nearly-identical rise in France as Henry as they both grew up in Paris before being scouted to play at the Clairefontaine Academy.

At age 16, Mbappe made his Ligue 1 debut and then became Monaco's youngest ever goalscorer - breaking Henry's longstanding record - when he netted against Troyes aged 17 and two months.

 

Monaco handed Mbappe a professional contract last season and has three goals and five assists in the league this term.

Topics