Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has welcomed new signing Cohen Bramall.

Arsenal yesterday confirmed the £40,000 signing of left-back Bramall from non-league Hednesford.

Gunners boss Wenger said: “He's an exceptional physical talent. I don't think he's ready, today, to play in Premier League but he has similarities to a young Ashley Cole."

Wenger also insists Bramall's dedication to playing at non-league level will stand him in good stead on the road to greatness.

He said: “I believe that when you go down, there's mental selection. It's a mental test - do you love football enough?

“Are you ready enough to fight to show that you are above this level and that you absolutely want to come back?

“Players like Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny have had that test. They are similar to that. Once they get up, they really mean it.

“Bramall is a young, promising left back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.

“He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he's a very exciting prospect."