The youngster was apparently signed in a similar way to Cesc Fabregas, in that he waited till he was free to sign professional contracts and then opted for Arsenal instead of Parma, who had brought him to the level he's now at. Whether or not there will be any compensation paid is unclear, but it's certain that Parma (like Barca) won't be too happy about it. Arsenal may be gaining a reputation for poaching across Europe, but seem to be gaining a nice little collection of exciting prospects as well so never nind, eh?

For the Parma youth team he scored approx 2 goals per game as they won the Primavera league last year. He's also been looking good for the Italian U17s.

It's also being reported today that Arsenal are signing 20 year old Marseilles midfielder Mathieu Flamini - yet another out-of-contract job that would leave a furious former club in its wake. Flamini burst onto the scene last season, and has played 14 first team games including the UEFA Cup final. More news as and when...