Mbappe close to joining Arsenal last year

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal came close to landing ‘exceptional’ Kylian Mbappe last year. But the Gunners failed to do a deal for the 18-year-old sensation this summer due to the fierce competition for him.

Mbappe was linked with leaving Monaco throughout the summer with almost all of Europe’s biggest clubs expressing an interest in him.

The star forward eventually completed a loan move to Paris St-Germain in a deal that will see the French giants sign him for £165m next summer.

Mbappe revealed this week that he did have the chance to join Arsenal this summer.

Wenger has now claimed that his side nearly secured his signature 12 months ago but admits a move this summer was too difficult.

The Arsenal chief said: “Well, I believe that we were on the case last year.

“He was close to joining us last year - closer than this year because of the competition for him.

“For 90 percent of the players, their career depends on where they choose to go.

“For 10 percent, they will be a success wherever they will go and he is one of them.

“He is an exceptional footballer.”