Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated how he visited Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe at his home last year in an attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for Mbappe, 18, in the past, saying in February that Arsenal have been tracking the youngster, before reiterating the club's interest in him last month.

Mbappe's performances for Monaco this season have led him to be linked with big-money moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, but Wenger has said he came close to signing him last year.

"The player would tell you that I was at his home last year to try to get him here because he was at the end of [his] contract, but Monaco managed to keep him and the decision was very, very tight," Wenger said.

"But I could understand it as well because he was educated there and at the end decided to stay there."Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told beIN SPORTS how he visited Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe at his home last year in an attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has made no secret of his admiration for Mbappe, 18, in the past, saying in February that Arsenal have been tracking the youngster, before reiterating the club's interest in him last month.

Mbappe's performances for Monaco this season have led him to be linked with big-money moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United, but Wenger has said he came close to signing him last year.

"The player would tell you that I was at his home last year to try to get him here because he was at the end of [his] contract, but Monaco managed to keep him and the decision was very, very tight," Wenger said.

"But I could understand it as well because he was educated there and at the end decided to stay there."

Wenger suggested last month that he fears Arsenal might be priced out of a move for Mbappe, given the reported competition they would face for his signature.

According to The Guardian, United have been turned away by Monaco after making a bid of £72 million, with the French club holding out for £100m.

Asked if Arsenal have a chance of signing the attacker, Wenger said: "I don't know, that is down to him.

"But today he will decide where he goes, because he can say Real Madrid maybe, Barcelona maybe, Arsenal, Manchester -- he can go where he wants."

Arsenal legend Robert Pires said last week that he believes his former club will sign Mbappe.