Kylian Mbappe considering Arsenal 'stepping-stone' move ahead of eventual world-record Real Madrid transfer

Kylian Mbappé is considering a move to ‘stepping-stone’ club Arsenal because he would love the chance to work with Arsene Wenger, it has been claimed.

The 18-year-old is one of the most sought after players in Europe after a breakthrough season for Ligue 1 champions Monaco in which he scored 26 goals in all competitions.

Some of the Premier League's biggest clubs - including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United - have all been linked with the young striker, who is also now a regular for the French national team.

READ MORE: Arsenal open Ramsey contract extension talks to avoid more uncertainty

READ MORE: Why were Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil missing from an Arsenal kit launch?

And a report in the French daily Le Parisien claims that Mbappé is particularly interested in a move to Arsenal, because he is a huge fan of how Wenger has developed young French players in the past.

“Wenger, he is a great,” a source told the newspaper. “If Mbappé were to sign for Arsenal tomorrow, it would be for him.

“He knows how to produce youngsters and especially former French international team forwards, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. Only playing in the Europa League is not an obstacle for him.”

Another source meanwhile told the daily that Mbappé would be open to the idea of joining Arsenal, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, because they are a ‘stepping-stone’ club who would eventually allow him to leave for the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona.

“Kylian is currently thinking things over,” the source told the paper.

“Either he will go to a stepping-stone club, or directly to a great club.

“But his aim is very clear: to sign for one of the two biggest clubs in the world, they are Real Madrid or Barcelona for him, before reaching the age of 22.”