Kylian Mbappe is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed the Gunners failed in a bid to sign Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe last summer.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe this season, scoring 13 goals for the high-flying Ligue 1 side this term.

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Wenger compared the Frenchman to Thierry Henry earlier this season and confirmed the Gunners were tracking the forward’s progress.

However, the 66-year-old has now confirmed that the Gunners made a move for the teenager last summer – only for their approach to be rejected by Monaco.


Mbappe scored against Manchester City in February (Picture: Getty)

‘I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him,’ revealed Wenger.



‘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.’

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