Arsenal Transfer News: French Wonderkid Joins From Caen

By Simon Gallagher / July 13, 2012

Arsenal have stolen a march on North London rivals Tottenham as well as Newcastle United, as French Ligue 2 side Caen have announced that highly-rated striker Mbaye Niang is set to join Arsene Wenger's side on trial with their blessing. The French outfit released the following official statement on their website;

€œContrary to what has been written on certain French and foreign websites, Mbaye Niang has left to have a trial at Arsenal with the agreement of President Jean-Francois Fortin and Technical Staff headed by Patrice Garande.€ €œAt this point, Caen has not received any offer from a club, either in France or abroad, for Mbaye Niang.€

It had already been reported that Niang had travelled to London for the trial without his club's prior permission, but the statement puts paid to those rumours. The French wonderkid, who is said to possess great pace and skills, will join the club for a week, as Arsenal's scouts take a look at his abilities. Arsenal are said to have stolen a firm march on Newcastle, who had reportedly already opened talks with the striker to make him the latest addition to the growing French contingent on Tyneside, and it looks like the Londoners are now in pole position to strike a deal for the player who can operate as a striker or in attacking midfield. Niang is 6 foot tall and has already played for both the France U16 and U17 sides, and has turned out twice for the U21 side, as well as making 30 appearances for Caen, and scoring 5 goals. So, Arsenal fans, what do you think? Is the possible acquisition of Niang a good thing for the club? Share your thoughts below. Click "next" below to see what we think are the 6 best moves for Robin Van Persie...