Sunderland forward Joel Asoro has claimed that Arsenal are eager to bring him to the Emirates.
The 18-year-old striker has been the subject of reports of a £5million bid that would include his team-mate Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka, with Sunderland set to lose their best and brightest as they prepare for a season in the Championship.
Asoro joined Sunderland in the summer of 2015 after speculation linking him with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, but he made just four appearances for the Black Cats last season - one of which came in the Premier League.
Asked by media in Sweden about the links to Arsenal, Asoro said: “People were a little shocked because I have played very little first-team football.
Arsenal transfer targets for summer 2017
“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.”
Asoro is currently in Poland with the Sweden U21 side as they bid to retain the European Championship they won two years ago in the Czech Republic.
The holders will begin their tournament against England in Kielce on Friday.
