Arsenal believe they have the 'new Rio Ferdinand' on their hands in young defender Zach Fagan.

The teen has been likened to the Manchester United defender and also Barcelona's Eric Abidal.

Fagan told arsenal.com: "It's funny people say that because those are the two players that I like to watch all the time. I watch clips on Youtube and try watch games where they are playing. I like to focus on them, to see what they do on and off the ball, their positioning especially. I feel that I have learned from them but I am learning a lot in training too.

"Steve Bould was at the top of the game for years. I can relate and appreciate everything he says in training. You know when he is explaining things that he is giving the best advice and I do my best to take everything in and apply it."

Fagan is delighted with the arrival of Germany international Per Mertesacker.

"I was very pleased with the purchase of Per Mertesacker. I watched him closely at the last World Cup and he has a physical presence that we have perhaps been lacking. I am sure he will settle in and help us become more solid at the back."