Alexandre Lacazette has revealed that he had "always dreamed" of playing for Arsenal after completing his £52million move to the Emirates.
The former Lyon striker had long been coveted by Arsenal, who today signed Lacazette to a five-year contract after agreeing a club record fee.
Lacazette had seemed destined for Atletico Madrid earlier in the window, but Arsenal pounced when the Spanish club found their transfer ban upheld.
The Gunners moved swiftly in recent days to secure the 26-year-old, convincing him to make the move despite his previous insistence that he would only consider clubs in the Champions League.
For the first time in two decades, Arsenal missed out on Europe’s top competition. But it appears that Lacazette was not overly concerned, such was his affection for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners.
"I am, of course, delighted and very proud too because Arsenal is a legendary club," he told Arsenal's official website.
"Throughout my childhood, thanks to Thierry Henry and other French players, I always dreamed of playing for this club so today that dream has been fulfilled.
"Arsenal's past [appeals to me] - I like clubs with a history. Also the fact that the manager has been here for a while shows that it is a stable club which I like.
"In addition there are quite a few French players here, which makes it easier to settle in. In my opinion, Arsenal is also the club that plays the best football in England so I really wanted to come here."
Lacazette is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, following left-back Sead Kolasinac, and is set to join the Gunners on their tour of Australia and China before making his home bow in the Emirates Cup later this month.
