Arsene Wenger was the deciding factor between joining Lille and Arsenal claims Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo, who has promised the youngster first team action next season.
A deal is yet to be confirmed with the transfer market not opening until July 1st, but a trip to Paris from Wenger persuaded the 20-year-old free agent to choose North London.
The striker will command a development fee for the Gunners, however that will be a mere €450,000 in compensation for the French U21 international. The fee may still be a risk however with his injury record a worry as previously reported here.
However a deal looks like it will happen regardless with Wenger set to take the risk on the youngster who has come through in similar circumstances to crocked Gunner Abou Diaby, who also struggled to string a series of appearances together with Auxerre before a move across the Channel.
Sanogo told L’Equipe:
For me it’s was Lille or Arsenal. But then I met Mr Wenger and it changed everything.
Wenger came to see me in Paris. He told me he’ll give my chance to play next season.
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I’m not ready yet to play in England. I’ll have to work. But Arsenal is one of the eight best clubs in Europe.
The boss, Mr Wenger, will decide if I have to go on loan. I don’t mind, I only want to play.
Sanog will be an interesting player and seems like he will be worth the risk, surely he would have failed the Arsenal medical if his injury prone status is as worse as his record suggests.
While it seems like a good, cheap acquisition, I hope this will not prevent Wenger from buying the star name we need up front. He has no excuses this summer with both Higuain and Jovetic are available.
As for whether the Frenchman will be integrated into the first team or loaned will come down to his performances in preseason. Ideally he should be sent out to gain experience at a mid-low table Premier League team to gain experience similarly to Chelsea’s Lukaku.
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