Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club are close to signing striker Yaya Sanogo. Looking at Wenger’s checklist… is he French? Check. Is he young? Check (he’s 20). Is he a cheap signing? Yes. He’s coming in on a free transfer. He meets all the criteria of a trademark Wenger signing.

Yaya Sanogo currently plays for Auxerre where he’s scored 10 goals in 19 league appearances. Plus he’s been capped for France at u-16, u-17, u-19 and u-21 levels.

“We are advanced with him but it’s not done,” said Wenger. But he added that he was very confident of completing the signing for the out-of-contract striker who has been plauying in the second division in France.

The concern for Arsenal supporters is that he’s still young, not proven in a top league and is not an experienced footballer that Arsenal needs (that will cost them a lot more than a free transfer).

Here’s video footage of Yaya Sanogo scoring four goals for Auxerre in their 5-4 win against Stade Laval.