Arsenal made approach for Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe last season, reveals Arsene Wenger

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club made an approach for Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe last season.

The 18-year-old French forward, who only made his debut last season, has scored an impressive 13 goals for the Ligue 1 side this term.

And Wenger, speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final tie with Lincoln City on Saturday, has revealed that he approached Mbappe last year.

Kylian Mbappe has been in impressive form so far this season, scoring 13 times for Monaco

'I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him,' Wenger said. 

'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.'

Under-fire Arsenal boss Wenger believes that there are many similarities between Mbappe and Henry, who also started his senior career with Monaco. 

Wenger was speaking ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Lincoln City

'He reminds me of a young Thierry Henry with the same clever look about him.

'They have the same qualities of intelligence in his movement and finishing.'

Wenger will be hoping that his Arsenal side can bounce back from their humiliating 5-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League by beating Lincoln in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal manager believes that Mbappe reminds him of a 'young Thierry Henry'