Arsenal have announced the signing of South Korea striker Park
Chu Young from Monaco, subject to the formal registration
processes.
Park has penned what is thought to be an initial
two-year contract, amid reports he will be forced to return home in
2013 for a period of military service.
The fee for the 26-year-old is reported to be £3million up
front, plus a further potential £2million in add-ons.
The Gunners have signed Park from under the noses of Lille, who
were convinced they had reached an agreement for the player to join
them on Saturday.
Park's representative, Maurizio Morana, says it was too good an
opportunity for his client to pass up when Arsenal made their
interest clear.
"We could not imagine what happened. On Friday, Arsenal
contacted Monaco to know if an agreement had been found with Lille
about a transfer," Morana told France Football.
"As it was not the case, Arsenal started to negotiate, then
asked to contact the player.
"Could you imagine how a player from Monaco could refuse such a
club?
"As he should come back to his native Korea later in 2013 for
military duties, this could be his last contract in Europe.
"When Arsene Wenger directly calls a player and asks him to join
Arsenal, it is difficult to refuse."
Morana also rejected suggestions that Park's conduct
demonstrated a lack of respect to Lille.
"We are sorry for the Lille officials who acted in a very
professional way, but I can't agree when I hear Park has no sense
of morals," the agent stated.
"There is no link with moral sense or honour, it is only
football."
