New signing Lauren chose Arsenal over a tempting offer from Real Madrid this summer. The Cameroon international joined Arsenal from Real Mallorca in a GBP 7 million deal at the end of May.

"... I chose Arsenal after talking to the manager Arsène Wenger because he changed my plans with the way he talked about his own plans," Lauren said.

"I could see how much he wants to win the European Cup and that is my aim as well."

Lauren has chosen a popular role model for his Arsenal career.

"Ian Wright, who scored so many goals for Arsenal, is the most exciting English player I've seen. He made great runs and had such spirit and I want to show I can do the same."