Hoping not to end like compatriot Philippe Senderos, 16-year old Sead Hajrovic was speaking to Arsenal’s official website about what it meant to him joining Arsenal. The Bosnian-born defender revealed scouts from the North London club have been following him for two years, adding how it was a “shock” to find out he would join one of the most powerful academies in European football.

Hajrovic started his career with Grasshopper Club Zürich with reports revealing that before joining the Gunners, the likes of Manchester United and Everton were all interested to sign him but knowing how well young prospects mature with Arsenal, he opted to sign for them.

The youngster explained:

This was the Club for me because I came over and saw how things were done and the facilities and it felt right. I know that this is a club that gives young players a chance and that too was a factor that I found attractive.

I now know that scouts were watching me for a couple of years, but I did not know of Arsenal’s interest until after I played for my national side. The Chief Scout Steve Rowley came to watch that game on his own I understand and he then contacted my coaches and parents.

It was a shock to me at first. I was very excited and now I am here.