Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has told reported Arsenal target Kylian Mbappe to wait before leaving Monaco.
Mbappe, 18, has caught the eye of several top European clubs after impressive performances in the Ligue 1 and Champions League this season, scoring 17 goals in 29 outings thus far.
Arsene Wenger has revealed recently that he is a keen admirer of the promising striker and also claimed that the club failed in their attempt to sign him last summer.
Arsenal are likely to try their luck again this summer, but Benzema, who left Lyon for Real Madrid at 21, believes Mbappe should not leave Monaco just yet.
The Real Madrid striker told RMC (via The Evening Standard):
“I’ve been told he is a phenomenon, a very good player.
“Honestly, I still haven’t seen him. He’s a young player. Football is really hard, especially at big clubs. I arrived at Madrid at 21. I had already done a lot of things at Lyon, but when I got here I got a slap in the face.
“I think you mustn’t leave too soon. Things go well, but the day when it goes less well, that’s the problem. He’s 18, how do you handle it when it doesn’t go as well, when people don’t speak as well about you, when you’re put under pressure?”
With Alexis Sanchez’s future still unclear, the Gunners have been linked with numerous replacements and Mbappe has been mentioned on several occasions.
Arsenal fans would love to see Mbappe at the Emirates next season, but the teenager has previously stated that he remains focused on Monaco.
