Asoro Shocked By Arsenal Interest

Young Sunderland player, Joel Asoro, has said that the interest shown in him by major English Premier League club, Arsenal, caught him off guard.

Over the past few weeks, reports have suggested that Arsenal is keen on signing the young talent from Sweden.

Asoro, who is a graduate of Sunderland AFC Academy, the youth team of Sunderland Association Football Club, made his first team debut for the club in 2016 under the management of David Moyes and became the club’s youngest Premier League player.

He then went on to start twice and make four appearances for The Black Cats.

The 18-year-old has also had a successful international youth career, making his debut for Sweden’s U-21 team in 2016. Following his debut, Swedish newspapers reported that major European clubs, including Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Villarreal, had all taken interest in the young player.

Speaking to Swedish reporters this week, Asoro said:

“People were a little shocked because I have played very little first-team football…I’ve heard a little bit, but if I think about it too much, it becomes ‘what if, what if’. I try not to think about it too much…It came as a shock. It is clear clubs contact each other and stuff, but it’s my agent in charge of it. I try to focus on my football [sic].”

Arsenal has not officially made an offer for Asoro, but reports suggest that manager, Arsene Wenger, may be eyeing a ‘double deal’ for the services of both Asoro and teammate, Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka.

Image: Joel Astro [online image] (2017) sourced on 15 June 2017 at http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/could-sunderland-starlet-joel-asoro-11710297