There are a lot of Arsenal fans currently performing at a high level of football across the world, and another one has now emerged.
Arsenal are one of the most-followed clubs in Europe, and there are self-admitted fans of the club across the continent, with some players expressing their admiration for the club even when they have not played in England before.
One example is that of Sporting Club De Portugal and Denmark star Morten Hjulmand, who has an Arsenal tattoo despite having never played for the club, and even involving himself in an altercation with former Gunners hero Granit Xhaka.
Stoke City rising star Bae Jun-ho is now the latest player to reveal his desire to play for Arsenal one day, admitting in a recent interview that it would be a dream of his to wear the famous red and white kit at the Emirates.
Stoke City star Bae Jun-ho reveals Arsenal dream
The 20-year-old, who recently received his first ever call-up to the South Korean National Team, claimed that he would be an excellent fit for Arsenal’s system under Mikel Arteta.
“Arsenal seems very attractive to me. They are a very good team,” he stated in an interview with Korean outlet Dalsun Live, via KNT Football on X.
“Just by looking at their playing style, you can see they are very tactically well-organized. Their style aligns well with what I want to pursue.
He was then asked if he could see himself playing for a top club like Arsenal one day, and he was confident in his dream.
“Yes, that would be great,” he added.
Who is Stoke City star and Arsenal fan Bae Jun-ho?
The 20-year-old was voted as Stoke’s Player of the Season in the Championship this season, with two goals and five assists from midfield in 38 league appearances.
He is a versatile option who has played in central midfield, as well as on both wings, in more advanced positions and even as a striker.
Stoke icon Mark Stein recently praised him after the conclusion of the Championship season.
“He looks really confident in all the stuff he does. Getting Player of the Year is another bonus, isn’t it? He played with a freedom that was really good to see,” he stated.
Stoke fans may be disappointed by his comments, given the poor history between the two clubs. A long-term injury to a young Aaron Ramsey was caused by Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross, and there has been bad blood between the two clubs and fanbases since.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s best-ever Arsenal teammate
Whilst Jun-ho Bae has shown himself to be a talented young player in the Championship, a move to a club like Arsenal may be some way off, but he may be on the club’s radar in the background as an intelligent player continuing to grow in a physical league.