The father of 13-year-old Hannibal Mejbri has admitted that his son visited Arsenal but no decision has been made over his future with a move not possible until he’s 16.

The attacking midfielder has allegedly attracted the attentions of all the top clubs in the Premier League however he has, so far, only met with Arsenal.

On the back of a rumour that he had agreed a deal to sign for Arsenal, Mejbri Snr, said, “That’s false. 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 in June 2018.”

Already snapped up by Adidas, the 13-year-old was first spotted by Arsenal at a youth tournament.

His father added that the player is currently focused on his studies. “The priority is his studies,” he added. “He is uncompromising with it. The reality is that he is more likely to become a doctor or lawyer than a pro footballer. And even if he does, I do not want him to have a chickpea in the head.

“The role of parents is to protect the child from all that can come from outside, but also protect him against himself. He is still a child and he must remain so.

It certainly seems like his father has got his head screwed on which can only be a good thing for his son’s future.

Quite where that future lies, however, we won’t know for a few years yet.