Arsenal failed with Kylian Mbappe bid last summer reveals Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
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ARSENE WENGER has revealed Arsenal failed in a bid to sign Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe last year.
Mbappe has emerged as one of the hottest young properties in European football, with Manchester United and Manchester City both making their interest known
The 18-year-old has scored 13 goals already this season for Monaco, and has been compared to Thierry Henry in terms of ability and playing style.
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But Gunners boss Wenger has revealed he has been tracking the teenager for a long time and even tried to sign him last summer.
Wenger said: "Well, I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him, that he has all the qualities.
"He reminds me of a young Thierry Henry with the same clever look about him, the same qualities of intelligence in his movements and cat-like finishing. So that’s why.
"I think he’s an exceptional talent who promises to have a great future."
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Wenger would have stolen a march on his rivals had he been able to snap up Mbappe last summer, but now Arsenal look likely to be beaten to his signature by another of Europe's big clubs.
United boss Jose Mourinho has indicated he would turn his attentions to the striker if he fails to sign Antoine Griezmann in the summer.
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He added: "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 about him isn’t going to have a negative impact on his future.”