Kylian Mbappe: Teenage sensation reveals he snubbed summer move to Arsenal in favour of huge £168m PSG switch
Striker admitted he held talks with Arsene Wenger and thought about a move to the Gunners but opted to remain in France
TEENAGE sensation Kylian Mbappe held talks with Arsene Wenger over a potential move to Arsenal.
A host of top European giants were chasing the 18-year-old's signature this summer until Mbappe opted to join Monaco's league rivals Paris Saint-Germain.
Among those clubs was Arsenal and Mbappe revealed how the Gunners became "a real option" because Wenger knows how to "develop young players."
Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach.
“He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well-respected and knows how to develop young players. This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.
“We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs but my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make. It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop.”
Mbappe, who shot to fame last season after he helped fire Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and the semi-finals of the Champions League, admitted that he had planned to stay with the club until something changed his mind.
Arsenal news
He added: "When I first started meeting with clubs I told them my first priority was Monaco.
"Then something changed my mind and then I wanted to leave.
"We weighed up all the offers I received and I decided to join Paris Saint-Germain because this is the project that will help me develop while I win titles. Of course, I still want to learn but I want to win. Starting with today.”
Wenger has spoken highly of Mbappe and believes he has the potential to "become the next Pele."
And the Frenchman claimed that the striker was close to joining his side last year while he was still relatively unknown.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of this weekend's clash with Bournemouth, he said: "We were on the case last year and he was close to joining us. Maybe closer last year than this year because there was less competition.
"90 per cent of players, their career depends on where they choose to go. For 10 per cent they can go where they want and have a great career.
"For me he is in the 10 per cent, he can go to Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and have a great career. He's an exceptional football player."
