New Arsenal signing Ismael Bennacer admits he was worried about the prospect of signing for the Gunners and then getting lost amongst the numerous young talents at the Emirates Stadium.

17-year-old midfielder Bennacer has penned a five-year deal with Arsenal after spending time on trial at the club in early July and being assured of a fair crack of the whip by Arsene Wenger.




The youngster, who featured in Ligue 2 for Arles-Avignon last season, was worried about falling into the cracks at Arsenal, but has been reassured.

He told French sports daily L'Equipe: "That's [being lost at a big club] what made me a little scared at first, but when I saw the training facilities, I could not help but progress.
 

 

"It will be up to me to show myself there. If they gave me a five-year contract it is because they have confidence", he added.

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Bennacer will train with the club's professionals and also youngsters and has been further encouraged by the French players already at the club, which should help him settle.

Arsenal boast Frenchmen Mathieu Debuchy, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Flamini, Francis Coquelin, Reine-Adelaide and Yassin Fortune.

Bennacer will now hope to quickly fulfil his potential at the Emirates Stadium.