“When Wenger calls a player and asks him to join Arsenal, it is difficult to refuse”

The agent of Arsenal’s new striker, Park Chu-young, has explained his clients decision to abort a move to Lille in favour of joining the Gunners.

Park was set to join French champions Lille until a late bid from Arsenal scuppered their plans. Arsene Wenger contacted Monaco on Friday enquiring about Park’s availability and soon agreed a deal and was given permission to contact the player.

The 26-year olds agent, Maurizio Morana, revealed a personal call from Wenger and the chance to join Arsenal was simply too much to resist:

“We could not imagine what happened. On Friday, Arsenal contacted Monaco to know if an agreement had been found with Lille about a transfer,” Morana told France Football.

“As it was not the case, Arsenal started to negotiate, then asked to contact the player.

“Could you imagine how a player from Monaco could refuse such a club?

“As he should come back to his native Korea later in 2013 for military duties, this could be his last contract in Europe.

“When Arsene Wenger directly calls a player and asks him to join Arsenal, it is difficult to refuse.”

The transfer has yet to be made official, but is set to be announced shortly.