Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has urged the French media to ease up on their expectations around Kylian Mbappé and their expectations that he will be one of the world’s best.

Giroud and Mbappé are a part of this week’s France squad for their international fixtures whilst Arsene Wenger has already been spotted in the country, prompting speculation over whether he’s trying to engineer a move for Monaco’s wonderkid.

Still only 18-years-old, Mbappé enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season where he netted 26 goals and created 14 assists in all competitions. He became the youngest player to score in a UEFA Champions League semi-final along the way and helped Leonardo Jardim’s side beat Paris Saint-Germain to their first Ligue 1 triumph since 2000.

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However, questions about his future are continually being asked.

Giroud, 30, was also quizzed about the speculation surrounding his highly-rated compatriot.

I will not go against what you say about him,” Giroud began by saying.

He is a good kid, a kid who (ah…), a young man, forgive me, who is full of maturity. But I think we should leave him a little alone.

Giroud’s comments echo a similar sentiment to that of former striker, Dimitar Berbatov, who last month said Mbappé should remain at Monaco next season where he’ll play on a regular basis and avoid the expectation that comes with a big-money move to one of Europe’s elite sides.