Sunderland striker, Joel Asoro, has admitted that he’s ‘shocked’ by Arsenal’s rumoured interest.

• Asoro is currently away with the Sweden u21 national team for Under-21 European Championships
• Striker played nine minutes in Premier League last season
• Arsenal in bid for Sunderland youngsters Asoro and Kimpioka
• Asoro shocked at Arsenal interest after lack of first team football with Sunderland
  

Arsenal have only been linked with Asoro for about five seconds but, of course, word has already reached the Sunderland youth team striker while away with the Sweden u21s for the European Championships.

“Yes, I know that,” he said.

“People were a little shocked because I have played very little first-team football.

“It is clear that people are surprised, but we’ll see what happens, I’ve heard a little bit, but if I think about it too much, it becomes ‘what if, what if.’

“I try not to think about it too much. It came as a shock. It is clear clubs contact each other and stuff, but it’s my agent in charge of it. I try to focus on my football.”

The youth international is said to be on Arsene Wenger’s radar, with Arsenal also allegedly planning a swoop for his 17-year-old teammate, Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka.

The Gunners are apparently willing to spend £5m on both players. However, 18-year-old Asoro seems to be the one attracting the most attention after making his Premier League debut for the Black Cats last season.

The teenager has two years left on his current deal with Sunderland.