Kylian Mbappe

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Honestly, I’ve been trying to avoid adding to list of articles about Kylian Mbappe but, I can ignore him no longer.
Aged just 18, striker Mbappe has managed 19 goals in 32 appearance across all competitions for Monaco this season, and the hype around him is unreal.
His goal scoring exploits and electric pace have seen him dubbed the ‘next Thierry Henry’ while some of Europe’s biggest club have been linked, including Arsenal, with numerous reports naming him as part of Arsene Wenger’s rebuilding job, if he decides to stay.
But, just how good is Mbappe? Is this the right time to move? Is he what Arsenal need?
While Mbappe has burst on to the scene over the past few months, I have been watching him for the past 12 months, and his form is not at all surprising.
I remember watching him at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship over the summer and being simply blown away. He scored five goals and single handidly destroyed Portugal in the semi-final as France won the tournament. From that moment on, I knew this kid was special.
While many young players never live up to the potential they show early on, I’m looking at you Cherno Samba, yes and you too, Freddy Adu, Mbappe has already shown he has what it takes to play at the top level.
Mbappe really came to the world’s attention when he tore Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to shreds, scoring in both legs as Monaco advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League on away goals. These goals have shown he has what it takes in Europe’s premier club competition, and is not fazed by the pressure of performing in big games against big teams.
While the comparison’s to the great Thierry Henry might be premature, that claim may well become a reality over the next few years as Mbappe continues to progress.
Despite watching him for about a year, before those performances against Manchester City, I did have doubts about Mbappe leaving Monaco early but, following that Champions League tie, I genuinely believe that Mbappe could be ready for a big move in the summer.
Stunting the potential of a young player with a big move has killed off many promising careers, with only the best of best excelling early on, and I believe the 18-year-old would have no trouble should the likes of Arsenal come calling. The Gunners are well known for nurturing and developing young talent, especially from France.
Arsenal can offer Mbappe a lot in terms of his development and in return, the Frenchman would become one of clubs most important players.
At times, the slow, surgical cutting open of teams by Arsenal can be beautiful to watch but, when the tempo of the passing isn’t right, it can be incredibly frustrating. Mbappe’s pace would give The Gunners a different dimension to their play, allowing them to soak up pressure before spring a counter-attack.
Before Mbappe even pulled on an Arsenal shirt, the excitement of the club signing the most sought after talent on the planet right now would give everyone a huge boost and, I am more than sure that when he did step on the pitch, he would show the world truly how good he can be.
Transfer fees from £30 million, all the way up to £60 million have been mentioned in the media but, it is unclear yet how much it would take to prize Mbappe away from Monaco, or even if the club are willing to part with their star man at any price.
Despite this, I would give Monaco whatever they wanted. I believe Mbappe will go on to become one of the world’s best players and is a player that Arsenal need now, and in the future.
With the ongoing chaos at The Emirates, it is unclear who will be targeted for a summer rebuild but, if Kylian Mbappe isn’t near, or at the top of summer shopping list, I will be very surprised.
For now, all I can say is remember the name, Kylian Mbappe.