Arsenal eventually completed the signing of the young French striker Yaya Sanogo on Monday. Sanogo has been signed on a free transfer as his contract with his former club Auxerre had expired at the end of the last season.
Sanogo played for Auxerre for 3 years between 2010 and 2013. He featured for the Ligue 1 side in 24 matches during that period and netted 11 times.
Sanogo is currently representing France in the U-20 World Cup. He is expected to join the Gunners for the pre-season training in a few days.
Talking to the reporters about Sanogo’s signing, the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said, “I am excited to work with Sanogo. He is a fine, young talent. I was very impressed seeing him play for Auxerre in the last season. I hope he continues progressing well here at Arsenal.”
Sanogo himself was also ecstatic after the completion of his signing. Talking to the reporters, he said, “I am very happy to have got the opportunity to join a Premier League club. I had a decent last season and I am hoping to continue my good form at Arsenal.”
“Arsene Wenger personally visited me in Paris and offered me the contract. I couldn’t have said no to him. I had a positive chat with him. He told me that I would get my chances at Arsenal.”
There is no doubt about the talent of Sanogo. He has tremendous speed and strength and if he is in top nick, he can be more than handy. But, his fitness is a real issue. At Auxerre, he had to deal with an injury or two every season.
However, there are not too many managers in the world who knows better than Arsene Wenger how to develop talent. Let’s see how he deals with this young bloke.