One young prospect being eyed-up by Arsenal, and who has impressed Arsene Wenger, has now been named one of the most exciting wonderkids in world football.
Arsenal are well aware that Warren Zaire-Emery is likely to be one of the next big things.
Back in January, Arsenal were credited with an interest in Warren Zaire-Emery, as reported by Metro. However, PSG are unlikely to want to part with the 18-year-old who looks destined to blossom into a true superstar.
The teenager would be an exciting acquisition for Mikel Arteta to get his hands on. Arsenal are due a midfield overhaul, and Zaire-Emery would be a player for both now and the future. He is already a key player for PSG, and there is likely much more to come from the once-capped France international.
Iconic former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger certainly believes that the youngster is set to scale some incredibly heights. In an interview with The Parisien, he said of Zaire-Emery, “when, at 17, your manager at club level chooses you as one of the first names on the team sheet, that implies that you exude something that is unstoppable. To some extent, he makes me think of Kylian Mbappé in the sense that people are already unanimous on him.”
He went on to compare the player to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, and other French greats, saying, “he has a bit of Paul Pogba’s power, but some common qualities with N’Golo Kanté in his aptitude to win back the ball. Zaïre-Emery is a bit of a mix of the two…He has a bit of Patrick [Vieira] too. A box-to-box midfielder as the English say.”
What Warren Zaire-Emery would bring to Arsenal
If Arsenal were to be able to strike a deal for Zaire-Emery, he would get his chances to shine at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta has previously shown a willingness to put his faith in youth, as the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have played key roles for the north London club on his watch.
There is also a place for a player with Zaire-Emery’s qualities at Arsenal. Jorginho’s future is in doubt, and Thomas Partey cannot be relied upon to be fit and available when needed. The PSG starlet could be the long-term replacement for this ageing midfield duo, and a perfect partner for Declan Rice, at the Emirates Stadium.
However, PSG would be extremely reluctant to sell, for good reason. To underline just what a gem they have on their hands, in the 2024 edition of Goal’s NXGN list, which ranks the 50 most exciting wonderkids in football, Zaire-Emery was placed third. He is the heir-apparent to be PSG’s next talismanic figure, after Mbappe has moved on.
As a defensive midfielder, the maturity in his game belies his youthful age. He is an incredible passer of the ball, has an eye for goal, and can compete physically at the very highest level already. He is capable of stamping his authority on matches, and plays with astonishing confidence.