Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has revealed that he turned down some of the "biggest clubs in Europe" in favour of joining the Gunners this summer.
New manager Unai Emery plucked Guendouzi from Ligue 2 side Lorient for around £7m, securing the 19-year-old's signature despite reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, amongst others.
However, Guendouzi insists that it was a "simple decision" to choose Arsenal, having discussed the potential move with former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere.
"It's true there were a lot of clubs interested in me — I had talks with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. But as soon as I heard from Arsenal, the decision was very simple and I'm very happy to be here," Guendouzi is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.
"I did speak to Jeremie about Arsenal and he said it's a place where I can progress and learn a great deal from the staff here. He always spoke very positively and that made me feel very confident in the choice that I'd made.
"It's the club of my heart. There have been a lot of French players here and Thierry Henry is a symbol in France after his long career here. I used to watch Arsenal games with my father and it has a special place in my heart."
Guendouzi made his competitive debut for Arsenal during Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Barney Corkhill
