Arsenal today moved into pole position to sign wonderkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his father described them as "the ideal choice".
Arsene Wenger admits he is keen on signing the 17-year-old Southampton midfielder this month but faces stiff competition from a host of clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool.
Saints chairman Nicola Cortese is demanding £10million up front with the Gunners targeting a deal closer to £5m plus add-ons.
The player's father, Mark, a former England star, said: "Arsenal, with the manager there, the way they play and how they develop players, they are the ideal choice."
Wenger said: "We need an agreement with the player, and we are not the only ones on the case.
"But we try as hard as we can as I like him as a player."
