Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal are tracking Monaco youngster Kylian Mbappe and even went so far as to label him as “another Thierry Henry.”
The 18-year old striker made his debut at 16, and scored his first senior goal at age 17 – replacing none other than Henry as Monaco’s youngest goal scorer. This season, Mbappe has made 19 appearances, scoring six times and laying on 7 assists.
Speaking on the Ligue 1 show, Wenger described Mbappe as a “super talent” that could hit the same heights as Henry if the motivation is there.
“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 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.”
Mbappe signed a contract extension with Monaco last season, keeping him at the club till 2019. Wenger gave no indication that Arsenal are planning a move, but acknowledged they are hot on his heels and will continue to watch his development.
“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.
“He is a guy who is electric like Thierry was, can dribble, can pass and is efficient.”
Wenger also gave some indication how he separates players with great potential versus those with “super talents”.
“The guys that have super talent are already playing at 18. 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.”
