Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Paris Saint-Germain in order to sign for the Gunners this summer.
The 19-year-old arrived at the Emirates from Lorient in a deal worth around £7m in July and has gone on to make 20 appearances for the club across all competitions already.
Guendouzi's arrival also coincided with a change of era at Arsenal as Unai Emery replaced the long-serving Arsene Wenger, and the youngster confirmed that Emery was a big factor in his decision to choose the club ahead of a number of other interested parties.
"[Emery] was definitely a reason why I went. It was him who really wanted me to come to Arsenal," he told Canal Football Club.
"He is a very good manager, we have done very good results since the beginning of the season with him. He doesn't come across as feeling under particular pressure, he is just doing what he loves to do.
"He has transmitted that to us on the pitch and that is why we are getting the results we are getting. It is true that PSG were very interested, like other teams, there were a lot of discussions, but for me the best decision I could make was to join Arsenal.
"Once they positioned themselves, I didn't hesitate, I orientated myself in that direction. I think when I was young I watched a lot of Arsenal, but the fact that there are a lot of French guys there played a big role."
Guendouzi has helped Arsenal to fifth place in the Premier League table, only outside the Champions League places on goal difference.
Barney Corkhill
