Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsene Wenger confirms bid for French striker
ARSENE WENGER has confirmed Arsenal's interest in Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.
Arsene Wenger is an admirer of Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe
The 18-year-old made his Ligue 1 debut two years ago and has emerged as a regular in the first-team this season, scoring six goals in 19 games.
And Wenger has revealed he attempted to sign the France Under-19 international at Arsenal last season, only to be turned down.
Arsene Wenger tried to sign Kylian Mbappe at Arsenal last season
Wenger compared Mbappe to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who also started his senior career at Monaco.
Mbappe become Monaco's youngest goalscorer at the age of 17, a record previously held by Henry.
The Gunners boss said: "He has similarities to Thierry, has huge talent, plays for Monaco like Thierry.
Thierry Henry also started his career at Monaco
"But after that what makes a career is the mental aspect Thierry had, this young boy has to show that now.
"We wanted him last season but he decided to stay where he was."
Henry signed for Arsenal in 1999 and went on to become the club's record goalscorer, finding the back of the net 226 times over two spells in north London.