Arsenal manager impressed by Korean stars

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the success of South Korean players in the Premier League has made him reconsider the possibility of signing Asian stars.

Wenger knows the qualities of Asian players better than most in Europe after spending 18 months working in Japan as manager of Grampus Eight, but Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been his only signing from the region since taking over at Arsenal 14 years ago.

Inamoto’s failure to make an impact in the Premier League convinced Wenger that Asians were a risky investment.

However, he has been forced to think again after seeing Korean stars Park Ji-Sung and Lee Chung-Yong in action at Manchester United and Bolton respectively.

Wenger now acknowledges the Koreans have proved players from Asia have plenty to offer top English clubs and he wouldn’t rule out looking at some of the continent’s best at this year’s World Cup, which features South Korea, North Korea and Japan.

“I know that the Korean players in England are doing very well and of course it excites a little bit your curiosity,” Wenger said.

“The Korean players have done one important thing. There are very few Asian players who have made it in Europe and especially the Premier League but the Korean players look to adapt very well.”

Wenger has been a big fan of United winger Park’s since first coming across him in action for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Park has given Wenger some uncomfortable moments after scoring in two of his last three games against the Gunners, including a crucial strike in last season’s Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger is especially impressed with the 29-year-old’s ability to combine endless energy with a priceless knack of scoring important goals.

“He made his name in Eindhoven first in the Champions League and when you play against him he is a very hard working player who sacrifices for the team but as well has some good skills.

“He has scored some important goals – unfortunately against us!. I am convinced by his quality, he has a top-level attitude.”

Park isn’t the only Korean to catch Wenger’s eye. Lee has been a big hit for Bolton despite the club’s struggles and new boss Owen Coyle has kept faith with clever midfielder since replacing Gary Megson earlier this year.

As a self-confessed football addict who spends much of his time at home watching matches from around the globe on television, the World Cup offers Wenger a golden opportunity to cast his eye over potential signings and he plans to travel to South Africa for the finals as a television analyst.

“I will look at every single player I can find but I go more because I love football and it is a good opportunity for me to watch the games, the countries I like and the football I like as well, and to see the evolution of the game,” Wenger added.

“Before the evolutions of the game were brought from the World Cup, it is not the case any more. I think the innovations come from the clubs now.”