Yaya Sanogo has revealed how the wise words of Arsene Wenger were pivotal in his decision to join Arsenal. The France Under-21 international is expected to complete a move to the Emirates this summer after rejecting a new deal at Auxerre. And Sanogo says a meeting with the Gunners boss convinced him that north London is the best place for him to develop as a player, despite having reservations. "Rudi Garcia [then Lille coach] called me many times and it made me hesitate a lot," the 20-year-old told France Football. "He [Gilles Grimandi] had been to see me many times at Auxerre. And then, one day, we met in Paris at a hotel. "I was very impressed. Monsieur Wenger had come to see me directly in Paris. He told me that I would have my chance and reassured me about my injury. "He said he had followed me for many seasons. It was this trip that was decisive in my decision. I opted for Arsenal." Sanogo, who has spent 18 months on the sidelines, says he was also swayed by the advice of the French contingent at Arsenal. He continued: "I was told it was a very good club for me [by Diaby, Coquelin and Sagna] . Many of the guys said I was too young. But I left them to speak. "I am 20, I had not played for a year and a half, I had scored some goals and Arsenal had contacted me. Could I really say no? I don't believe so. It will be a magnificent adventure." Sanogo only has a brief experience of English football on a visit to Wembley as a child, but insists he is ready to take on the physical challenge of the Premier League. "When I was small, I went to see Chelsea-Manchester [United] in a Community Shield match. But that's all. I don't know the city," he added. "The defenders are fierce but I'm not going with any apprehension. The more time passes and the less I worry [about my knee]. I am just impatient to start in one of the best leagues in the world. "It's a dream for me to realise."