Kylian Mbappe labelled ‘new Pele’ by Arsene Wenger as new PSG superstar is backed to become best player in the world
Arsenal boss claims youngster has wisdom beyond his years but has questioned Neymar's motives for French switch
ARSENE WENGER has labelled Kylian Mbappe the ‘new Pele’ – but has questioned teammate Neymar’s motives for joining Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee.
The Arsenal boss made no secret of his interest in Mbappe before the former Monaco man completed a loan move to the French capital.
Mbappe will then complete a £162million switch next summer, making him the second-most expensive player on the planet.
And Wenger reckons the teenage sensation will be worth every penny, claiming he’s the closest thing to Brazil legend, and arguably the great footballer ever, Pele.
The tactician told : “I think he is exceptionally intelligent, he has an exceptional character and exceptional belief.
“I say to my friends, ‘Mbappe is the new Pele’. He can become the best player in the world, because he as well has the charisma, the character, the belief.
“You never think you’re speaking to an 18-year-old when you speak to him. He always gives you the impression when he gets the ball that something special can happen.”
However, Wenger was less than glowing with his appraisal of Neymar after the forward quit Barcelona for PSG in a £198m move.
The Gunners gaffer added: “Neymar never expressed exactly in his statement the resons of his move, because there is always a huge desire for the players to play with the best players.
“He decided to go the other way, so that is… for financial reasons, or for reasons that he thinks Paris Saint-Germain is tomorrow’s club and will take over from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“Or for individual reasons, such as maybe he wants to become the player that the team turns around, and to be acknowledged as the best player in the world.”
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