Antonin Barak has made no secret of his desire to one day grace the books at Arsenal, with the Udinese midfielder admitting to being a Gunners fan.
The Czech Republic international is currently making a name for himself in Italy, having secured a switch to Serie A over the summer.
Arsenal 6/5 to beat Red Star to nil
Udinese moved quickly to snap him up for just €3 million after seeing the 22-year-old impress during an 18-month stint at Slavia Prague.
Barak has already recorded two goals in nine appearances for his new employers, but has revealed that his long-term ambitions lie across Europe in north London.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport : “I was and still am an Arsenal fan.
“I went crazy for Thierry Henry. These days, I watch Andres Iniesta for his vision and first touch.”
Attempting to model his game on World Cup winner Iniesta also means that Barak has a soft spot for Barcelona.
The opportunity to head for Camp Nou also appeals, with it up to him to prove over the coming years that he is deserving of a transfer to a Premier League or La Liga heavyweight.
Barak added: “I know that I need to develop, and it doesn’t bother me where I end up. We’ll see.
“In Italy, there are a lot of important teams. In Europe, Arsenal and Barcelona appeal to me.”
Barak has already progressed at a rapid rate, having been turning out for hometown club Pribram as recently as December 2015.
He went on to taste Czech title success after moving to Slavia Prague, while also earning a first senior international cap in November 2016.
Barak now has four appearances and as many goals for his country to his name, although his efforts have not been enough to secure a place at next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia – with the Czech Republic finishing their qualification campaign behind Germany and Northern Ireland.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)