Lofti Mejbri has confirmed his teenage son, Hannibal, has had a trial at Arsenal – with the Gunners eyeing up a move in the near future.
The 13-year-old attacking midfielder is currently learning his trade at the Clairefontaine academy in France where Thierry Henry and Louis Saha both graduated from.
Mejbri is already being tipped to follow in Henry and Saha’s footsteps, and French publication Le Parisien claim the youngster is a target for Arsenal, as well as Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.
The Gunners have reportedly agreed a preliminary deal for the teenager, who cannot officially sign for any club until he turns 16.
However, his father insists nothing has been agreed with Arsenal and says his son will see out his time in the prestigious French academy, Clairefontaine.
Lofti did, however, confirm his son had a trail at Arsenal:
‘Arsenal is the only club where Hannibal had a trial, but we didn’t sign anything.
‘We’re free, and we will be until he finishes his time at Clairefontaine.’
He went on to say that all though his son will continue his development in France, he would rather see his boy prioritise his studies above all else:
‘The priority is his studies. It is more likely he becomes a doctor or lawyer than a pro footballer.’
