Robert Pirès, who enjoyed a successful six-year spell at Arsenal from 2000, has publicly stated his thoughts on Kylian Mbappé and the ongoing saga about where his long-term future lies.
The 18-year-old forward, who currently plays his trade with AS Monaco, has exceeded expectations when called upon and highlighted his world-class potential on a number of occasions both in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this term.
This has attracted interest from a range of Europe’s top clubs but Monaco have stated their clear reluctance to sell. However, it seems inevitable that at some stage in the future, they’ll be forced into selling him on – especially as many feel he could be subject to a world-record transfer bid in an attempt by one of the world’s best to tempt him away.
Pirès has stated his thoughts that Arsenal will be the team to sign him, but agrees his transfer fee will be the trickiest issue to sort out.
Pires told bwin, “I do think Arsenal will sign him, the problem is how much.
“He has the potential to play for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger is the right manager to manage him.
“Monaco and Arsenal are very similar clubs, so it won’t be much of a transition.”
As I reported this week, Wenger explained that Mbappe’s price-tag has made a deal even more difficult for Arsenal to complete. Given the club’s lack of success when shortlisting transfer targets in comparison to rivals recently, this is no surprise.
Mbappé’s rapid progression this season has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry, who was in a similar position during his breakthrough at Monaco just over 20 years ago. However, Pirès has criticised the comparisons being made between them – especially given how he’s still a developing teenager and one that could do without the additional pressures.
“The comparison is unnecessary, he’s not ready to be compared to Thierry. He’s a very similar player but to compare the two would be unfair.
“I hope that Kylian can follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry, he hast he same profile – quick, strong and a great finisher but he’s very young so I would hold off on comparisons just yet,” he continued.