Wenger’s sights on City striker target

REPORTED City transfer target Kylian Mbappe was approached by Arsene Wenger last summer because he reminded him of a ‘young Thierry Henry’.

The 18-year-old is rated as one of Europe’s hottest prospects after firing Monaco to the top of Ligue 1 and the last-16 of the Champions League.

The forward was on Pep Guardiola’s radar last summer and lit up the Etihad with a well-taken goal in Monaco’s 5-3 defeat to City last month.

And, with a host of Premier League clubs now interested in the France youngster, Wenger has confirmed Arsenal struck first in the race to sign the £50m-rated forward. “Well, I approached him last year because I really believe that he has an exceptional future ahead of him, that he has all the qualities,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup game against Lincoln.

“He reminds me of a young Thierry Henry with the same clever look about him, the same qualities of intelligence in his movements and cat-like finishing. So that’s why.

“I think he’s an exceptional talent who promises to have a great future. 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.”