EXCLUSIVE: Keeping Kylian Mbappé is our priority, says AS Monaco CEO seasoners

Speaking to CNN Sport just hours after the small principality had sealed its first Ligue 1 title since the turn of the millennium, the club's influential vice president and CEO Vadim Vasilyev said all 'the ingredients are there' for Mbappé to stay.

'It is part of our model that some players leave but now we are financially much stronger than two years ago,' explained Vasilyev in an interview with CNN Sport's Amanda Davies Thursday.



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'With all these young players, we know that their value will never go down because they are so talented and ambitious.

'To keep Mbappé? It is our priority.'

The mercurial 18-year-old forward has directly contributed to a Monaco goal every 63 minutes in all competitions.

With 26 goals and 14 assists to his name in just 2,750 minutes, his performances have commanded the attention of every top club in Europe.

On Thursday, Marca reported Liverpool had made a $83 million written bid for Mbappé, though the teenager has no intention of leaving, according to Vasilyev.

'I think he's very happy at Monaco,' the former Russian diplomat told CNN Sport. 'There's the World Cup next year -- and he's already in the French national team.'

Mbappé is the shining light in a new golden generation of players progressing from the club's academy, La Turbie, with Monaco toppling big spenders Paris Saint-Germain with one of European football's youngest starting lineups.

Monaco officials will sit down with the player and his family in the coming days and weeks to thrash out the particulars of his future.

Even so, surely an astronomical bid would persuade Monaco to let Mbappé go?

'No,' says Vasilyev, without a hint of hesitation. 'We found the right sporting and financial model for our club; it will be easier for us to keep our best players.'

Can Mbappé become the best player in the world? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page

READ: The footballing redemption of Radamel Falcao

The 'perfect' coach

Mbappé is not the only Monaco asset attracting covetous glances.

Head coach Leonardo Jardim has assembled one of world football's most exciting squads against the backdrop of financial restructuring -- a fact not lost on Arsenal fans, with Arsene Wenger's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Since eschewing the big-spending of 2013/14, Monaco's methods have actually yielded $87 million in net transfer profit -- compared to a $192 million net transfer loss for PSG in the same period.

That hasn't stopped the club defying its size to compete with the big boys, advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals or beyond in two of the past three seasons.

READ: How beetroots, kale and quinoa are fueling Monaco's success

'Leonardo Jardim is the perfect coach for our project,' enthused Vasilyev. 'We've done this together.

'I was behind him coming to Monaco. At that time he was not so well-known, and many people had doubts but I never had any doubts in him.

'This is the confirmation.'

Vasilyev has no doubt Monaco will receive 'many, many offers' for the Portuguese manager, but once again adopts a tone of defiance.

Can Monaco become a force in club football in the years to come? Have your say tweeting @CNNFC

'We as Monaco and me as vice president will do everything to keep him.'

Mbappé is the shining light in a new golden generation of players progressing from the club's academy, La Turbie, with Monaco toppling big spenders Paris Saint-Germain with one of European football's youngest starting lineups. Can Mbappé become the best player in the world? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page On Thursday, Marca reported Liverpool had made a $83 million written bid for Mbappé, though the teenager has no intention of leaving, according to Vasilyev. 'No,' says Vasilyev, without a hint of hesitation. 'We found the right sporting and financial model for our club; it will be easier for us to keep our best players.' Head coach Leonardo Jardim has assembled one of world football's most exciting squads against the backdrop of financial restructuring -- a fact not lost on Arsenal fans, with Arsene Wenger's contract set to expire at the end of the season. With 26 goals and 14 assists to his name in just 2,750 minutes, his performances have commanded the attention of every top club in Europe. READ: How beetroots, kale and quinoa are fueling Monaco's success 'Leonardo Jardim is the perfect coach for our project,' enthused Vasilyev. 'We've done this together. Mbappé is not the only Monaco asset attracting covetous glances. 'This is the confirmation.' Vasilyev has no doubt Monaco will receive 'many, many offers' for the Portuguese manager, but once again adopts a tone of defiance. 'Leonardo Jardim is the perfect coach for our project,' enthused Vasilyev. 'We've done this together. Monaco officials will sit down with the player and his family in the coming days and weeks to thrash out the particulars of his future. The mercurial 18-year-old forward has directly contributed to a Monaco goal every 63 minutes in all competitions. Even so, surely an astronomical bid would persuade Monaco to let Mbappé go? Vasilyev has no doubt Monaco will receive 'many, many offers' for the Portuguese manager, but once again adopts a tone of defiance.

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