Yaya Sanogo, the player set to sign for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, said he is looking forward to playing for the English Premier League club next season.
Arsene Wenger admitted last week that Arsenal are in advanced talks over a move for Sanogo, who is out of contract with Auxerre.
The manager did not confirm the signing was completed, but now the 20-year-old has come out and pretty much said he will be an Arsenal player next season.
"Arsenal could be a great club for me, I scored nine goals this season with Auxerre and they think I can improve my level in England," he told Sky Sports.
"I am pleased to be following in the footsteps of Abou Diaby who came through from Auxerre.
"There are many teams interested in me, but Arsenal is my choice."
Arsenal will have to pay a compensation fee to Auxerre, even if the player is out of contract, due to the fact that he is below 23; but it will be nowhere near as high as it would have been had he been under contract.
Sanogo has shown good form in front of goal, but has been plagued by injuries during his short career. If he can stay fit, the striker has all the attributes to succeed in the English Premier League for Arsenal - strength, technical ability, pace and an eye for goal.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle admitted they are preparing for life without Stevan Jovetic, who has been heavily linked with Arsenal in the summer, but hope to persuade the 23-year-old to stay for another season at least.
"I'm going to meet him when he comes back from the national team," Della Valle told reporters. "He has a right to decide where he plays.
"From my promise last summer, if he wants to look elsewhere he can do it, I hope he can stay with us.
"If he were to leave we have to be happy with the money that we'll have to strengthen the team."
Jovetic is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a move, but recent reports have suggested Juventus could put a spanner in the works with the Italian champions also very keen to sign the Montenegro international.
