Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo surprised by Ajax interest

Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has admitted that he was surprised to learn of Ajax's interest in him ahead of joining the Dutch giants on loan.

The 22-year-old reportedly flew to Amsterdam on Thursday to undergo a medical with Frank de Boer's side, and the Frenchman, who has scored two competitive goals since arriving in England in 2013, concedes that he did not see it coming.

"I am very happy," Sanogo told AT5. "The manager from Amsterdam called me last week and said, 'I want you to play for us, for Ajax'.

"I am very happy because I didn't think a big club like Ajax wanted me so I have to work hard to play. I hope to score a lot of goals."

Sanogo, who joined the Gunners from Auxerre two years ago, spent the second half of last season on loan with Crystal Palace, where he netted just once in 11 games.

His only goal for the North Londoners came in a Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund last term.