Arsène Wenger has previously made public his interest in Monaco’s talented youngster Kylian Mbappé.

Now though, he has revealed that any possible deal to sign the teenager is already difficult as a result of a high price-tag on his head.

With 23 goals and eleven assists in all competitions for Monaco this term, the 18-year-old’s ability has attracted attention across Europe’s top clubs.

Arsenal were one of the first to be linked with the player back at the start of 2016, but rivals from within the Premier League and beyond (e.g. Barcelona and Real Madrid) are also reportedly monitoring his progress.

As a result, many critics have claimed he could be the world’s most expensive player in a few years’ time, with €100m a heavily reported transfer fee that Monaco would ultimately hold out for, when his time with Leonardo Jardim’s side does eventually come to an end.

When questioned, Wenger refused to hide behind excuses and revealed that his interest in him is genuine.

It would be hypocritical and a lie to say we’re not following him. But he’s perhaps already in the category of clubs who perhaps have more financial potential than us,” Wenger explained.

That news will come as a significant blow to Arsenal supporters, especially given how Mbappé has been tirelessly described as the next Thierry Henry – having both made their debuts in Monaco, as well as having a similar playing style too.

Monaco’s vice-president, Vadim Vasilyey, was insistent on the fact that the club is now in a good enough financial position to avoid selling their prized assets, although it’s likely that a few may depart this summer.

We do not need to sell, the budget is balanced. For the moment, not a single player has told me that they want to leave,” Vasilyey said.

That in itself is understandable, especially during a crunch period within Monaco’s season.

Having reached the semi-final stage of this year’s UEFA Champions League, as well as leading PSG in Ligue 1, they’ve surprised many and naturally, some of their more prominent players have come to the attention of ‘bigger’ clubs.

Mbappe is unlikely to be one of them, however. It has been reported that he’s expected to remain with Monaco for at least another season or two.

Arsenal are reluctant to spend vast amounts of money on one particular player. Mbappé could be the exception to this rule, a player that the coaching staff build a well-rounded team around.

However, it looks increasingly unlikely and Wenger’s admission does nothing to dispel the suggestion that Arsenal’s financial capability in the transfer activity is weak compared to their main rivals.