Arsene Wenger has suggested that Arsenal would be unable to afford Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, 18, is enjoying an impressive breakthrough season, with his 21 goals helping Monaco to the top of Ligue 1 and into the Champions League semifinals, as well as the last four of the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue final.
Wenger said in February that Arsenal had been keeping tabs on the France international, but speaking to SFR Sport, he has now implied that the North London club may not have the finances required to sign a player that has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.
"Of course [we're following him]," Wenger said. "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."
Wenger likened Mbappe's situation at Monaco to that of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at Arsenal.
Sanchez and Ozil have both been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium as they have still yet to agree extensions to their contracts which are due to expire next summer.
Wenger has insisted in the past that both players will remain at Arsenal, and he says it is vital that the club keep hold of the duo as they will be so difficult to replace -- much like Monaco would struggle to fill the hole left by Mbappe were he to leave this summer.
"I think they should stay here because they are two world-class players and it's difficult to find world-class players even when you have a lot of money because a lot of clubs have a lot of money and few players can make the difference," Wenger said.
"Look at Mbappe at Monaco. The whole of Europe is already onto him -- he's had 20 games -- because everything is known immediately now, so you can't allow yourself to lose your best players.
"And not only us in our situation -- you can't lose them, you have to find new ones, bring them in. So we have two conditions: one, to keep them, and two, bring in other great players."
Wenger said on Tuesday that he "deeply believes" Sanchez will sign a new deal with Arsenal, while also ruling out selling the forward to another Premier League club.