Wednesday 21 January 2015 17:45, UK
Arsenal have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw for an undisclosed fee.
The Gunners beat a number of clubs, including Bundesliga side Hamburg, to the signature of the 17-year-old.
The versatile Poland youth international, who can play in holding midfield and at centre-back, has made just six first-team appearances for Legia in his inaugural season as a professional.
Of course, it's a gamble. But on what we saw, it's a gamble worth taking
Bielik is expected to work initially within Arsenal's Under-21s side, with a view to a swift progression through to the senior squad.
Wenger said: "He's a defensive midfielder, he is 6ft 2ins, he has a good energy level and a good technical level. Is £2m a lot of money? It is less than that but yes, it is a lot of money for a player if he doesn't succeed. If he does succeed, it's cheap.
"Of course, it's a gamble. But on what we saw, it's a gamble worth taking."
Warsaw manager Henning Berg told Sky Sports News HQ that Bielik is an exceptional prospect.
“He’s a physical player with good skills,” he said. “He has very good understanding of the game and match mentality. Krystian is quite far ahead of other players at his age.
"He's a talented boy, at his age he is further forward than a lot of kids. He's got high potential and that is why Arsenal are buying him.
"He's only played maybe four or five games for us but his development has been very, very good. He's a good physical player with good technical ability who can get box-to-box. His decision making is very, very good for a kid of his age.
"He will join a club with good players and good coaches - I really hope they look after him really well and don't send him on loan to too many places because he needs to be among players.
"He has a lot to improve but he has got big potential - Arsenal has a good record with kids and I am sure Arsenal will get the best out of him. Ideally we would like to have kept him for a couple more years. If they look after him he will be a good player. If everything doesn't go according to plan he can always come back to us."
