Arsenal sign French starlet
Arsenal have reportedly signed 19-year-old midfielder Vassiriki Diaby.
Arsenal have signed 19-year-old midfielder Vassiriki Diaby, according to the player's current club Auxerre.Diaby has started just three times for Auxerre this term but has shown significant promise for Arsenal to have offered him a four-year deal.
The France Under-19 international has always stated a preference for North London rather than West, with Chelsea having also been interested and it would appear Arsene Wenger has now landed his man.
Diaby is a powerful midfielder in the mould of the departed Patrick Vieira, with The Gunners hopeful that he will eventually be ready to replace their former captain as a Highbury favourite.
''The player chose Arsenal and Auxerre, who are not used to breaking players' careers, has agreed with the club," Auxerre vice-president Gerard Bourgoin told L'Equipe.
"The deal starts now."
Arsenal have yet to comments on reports emanating from France but it is expected that an official confirmation could be forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Vasteras SK's 15-year-old goalkeeper Erik Biselius has travelled to London to spend a week on trial at Highbury.
''We will do everything to prepare him,'' said the club's sporting director Peter Markstedt.
''It's a big thing for a club like Arsenal to believe in him.''
