Wenger suggests Arsenal will be priced out of Mbappe sweepstakes

Arsenal likely won't be an option for breakout star Kylian Mbappe when the summer transfer window opens, as Europe's biggest clubs eagerly form a queue outside AS Monaco's stadium.

Manager Arsene Wenger acknowledged that he's been keeping tabs on the forward through a torrid run of form that's seen the 18-year-old score 17 goals in 16 appearances since Feb. 1.

But Wenger stopped short of confirming that Arsenal will be in pursuit when the summer transfer window opens, claiming that his side will likely struggle to compete financially with other clubs due to the lucrative transfer fee Monaco is expected to demand.

"Of course (we're following him)," Wenger told SFR Sport, as translated by ESPN FC. "It would be hypocritical and a lie to say we're not following him. But he's perhaps already in the category of clubs who perhaps have more financial potential than us."

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Wenger told reporters in February that he was encouraged by Mbappe's development at Monaco, and said the French forward reminded him of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

"Mbappe is not exactly Thierry Henry but it's true that he has similar qualities," he said.

As it stands, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are among the clubs that have been linked with Mbappe.