Arsenal Transfer News: Yaya Sanogo Completes Move to the Emirates as Gunners Announce First Summer Signing

Jul 01, 2013 10:55 PM EDT

It is not quite the name that every Arsenal fan wanted to see being confirmed on the official website as the first official signing of the summer - but nevertheless, the English Premier League side got the ball rolling by announcing the capture of Yaya Sanogo.

The French under-21 international joins the club on a free transfer, although Arsenal will be expected to pay some kind of compensation to Auxerre, owing to the French club having a major hand in his development.

"Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that French youth international Yaya Sanogo has joined on a long-term contract," the club said on their official website.

"The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes, with Sanogo joining up with his new teammates after his participation in the Under-20 World Cup."

Sanogo is currently involved with the France side in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and the forward has shown some good form in the tournament already, leading his country to the last-16 where they face hosts.

The transfer has been known for quite a while now, with Sanogo himself talking about his move to Arsenal on a few occasions.

The Gunners waited until the official opening of the transfer window of July 1 to announce the capture with Arsene Wenger expecting big things from the youngster in the future.

"Sanogo is a good young signing for us," the manager said. "He has shown that he has potential with his recent performances for Auxerre and also for the France Under-20 side.

"We are looking forward to Yaya joining us and continuing his promising development."

Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping the Sanogo signing is just a precursor to what is expected to be a big summer for their club.

The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Marouane Fellaini and Julio Cesar are thought to be close to moves, while Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres are just some of the names which are being linked with the North London side this transfer window.

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