Yaya Sanogo has spoken of his decision to snub offers from his native France in favour of an anticipated move to the Gunners this summer.

Sanogo, currently on duty with France’s Under-20 team ahead of the Championships in Turkey, is expected to complete a move on his return, and has outlined how a meeting with Wenger was instrumental in securing his services:

‘I was impressed. He [Wenger] told me I’d get my chance, reassured me over injury and said he had been watching me for several years’

The highly rated striker has suffered from a string of injuries – most recently to his knee – that have limited his number of first team opportunities.

However, Sanogo still notched an impressive nine goals from 11 appearances for Auxerre last season.