Wenger Visits

Before the final, Lin Feng received an unexpected visitor.

"May I come in and sit for a while?"

Professor Wenger appeared outside his hotel room, asking with a smile.

"Of course, please come in!"

The moment Lin Feng saw Wenger, he roughly guessed why he had come.

Although he was a little surprised that Wenger had personally come to recruit him, on second thought, it seemed quite reasonable and very much in keeping with Professor Wenger's style.

After eliminating the Argentina team, Lin Feng had risen to the top of the Youth World Cup scoring charts with five goals.

With Messi eliminated, the Best Player award for this Youth World Cup was basically out of his reach.

So, if the China Youth Team defeated the Nigeria team in the final, Lin Feng would most likely win both the Top Scorer and Best Player honors for this Youth World Cup.

As a premier tournament for young players, the Youth World Cup held considerable influence in the Football World.

Especially once it reached the final stages, countless clubs around the world kept their eyes on the tournament, hoping to unearth outstanding young prospects to bring back and develop.

Once Lin Feng truly claimed those two honors, his value and the attention surrounding him would inevitably soar.

By then, countless teams would want to sign him, and when numerous clubs set their sights on the same player, bidding wars were inevitable.

Although Arsenal Football Club was one of the Premier League giants under Wenger's management, the loans taken out to build the Emirates Stadium had left the club financially stretched.

Head Coach Wenger wished he could split every penny in two.

If it really came down to a bidding war, he was not confident he could beat his rivals.

Therefore, after observing Lin Feng for several days and confirming that his ability fully met, or even exceeded, his requirements, Wenger took action first.

Making a move at this time meant the lowest cost and the greatest return.

After entering the room, the professor glanced around and saw a replay of the Nigeria team's match against Morocco playing on the television.

He had not expected the young man to work so hard in private as well, and his first impression of Lin Feng improved even further.

"The Nigeria team cannot be underestimated. Their technique is very refined, their physical qualities are outstanding, and they have a star like Mikel in their squad. Defeating them will not be easy."

Lin Feng nodded. He had also realized that Nigeria's strength exceeded his expectations.

After defeating the Argentina team, he had been overflowing with confidence, just like his China Youth Team teammates. He had thought the remaining two African Team sides posed no threat and could be beaten with ease.

But after watching several Nigeria team matches, Lin Feng realized that this team was far from simple.

Although they had fallen just short each time and lost to the Argentinians.

The fact that they had reached the final time and again was itself proof of their strength.

Besides, losing to the Argentina team led by Messi was not a matter of inferior ability. They could only be said to have had bad luck!

"However, they are not without weaknesses. I have observed their players. They are easily influenced by their emotions, so they cannot consistently bring out their full strength. Sometimes, their impulsiveness and lack of composure even lead them to make serious mistakes."

Lin Feng fell into thought after hearing that. He trusted the professor's eye.

Professor Wenger, who had led his team to an unprecedented undefeated Premier League title just last year, was undoubtedly among the finest coaches of this era.

"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Arsene!"

Lin Feng thanked him politely. Although he knew Wenger had said those things to build goodwill in his mind and close the distance between them.

He was still grateful for the professor's advice.

"You're welcome, Lin. I believe you already know why I am here. I am now formally inviting you to join us, to join Arsenal Football Club."

Lin Feng did not agree immediately. Instead, he looked Wenger in the eyes and asked a question:

"Mr. Wenger, Arsenal are already strong in every position and packed with talent. You are one of the strongest teams in the Big Five Leagues.

Can a young player like me, who has yet to prove himself in the Big Five Leagues, receive consistent playing time at Arsenal?"

Wenger was somewhat surprised. The anticipated scene of Lin Feng immediately throwing himself into Arsenal's embrace after hearing his offer did not happen.

Instead, Lin Feng had raised a very practical question.

Young players needed sufficient playing time to improve their ability and accumulate match experience.

If they could not get consistent playing time, it would be extremely detrimental to young players in the midst of their development.

Many talented players had even been ruined this way.

Wenger was pleased that Lin Feng was so grounded and not overly ambitious.

But Arsenal truly did not have much time this year to let young players develop.

Last season, Chelsea, led by Mourinho, had risen powerfully and beaten Arsenal to the title.

This season, everyone at Arsenal was fired up and determined to take the Premier League title back from The Blues.

And beyond reclaiming the Premier League title, Wenger and his players also wanted to make a push for the Champions League trophy.

Pires, Henry, and the others were getting older, and their desire for the Big-eared Cup grew stronger by the day.

If they failed to win the Champions League again, those stars might not be retained.

Under such immense pressure to deliver results, there was truly not much room for young players to perform.

This was especially true for a young player who had no experience playing in the Big Five Leagues and had only just turned seventeen.

"Of course, there is one more crucial point: I don't have a Work Permit!"

Lin Feng spread his hands helplessly.

Although he had lived in Germany for a long time, Lin Feng did not have a European Union passport.

And non-European Union players needed a Work Permit to play in the Premier League.

To obtain a Work Permit, one either had to be selected for the China national team and maintain an extremely high appearance rate for the National Football Team;

Or Arsenal had to apply to the Department of Labor under the special talent provision and go through a special channel.

Because the National Football Team ranked very low in the world, the first route would probably not be easy.

As for the special talent provision, it was also extremely troublesome to process.

Given the United Kingdom's work efficiency, it would take at least several months, perhaps even half a year, to get it done.

What if he agreed to join Arsenal, but Arsenal failed to secure his Work Permit in time?

Then Lin Feng might not even be able to play football next season.

He did not want to take such a huge risk.

After hearing Lin Feng's words, Wenger sighed.

Lin Feng's attitude was already very clear. For the time being, he would not consider going to Arsenal.

Another once-in-a-generation young talent had slipped through his fingers!

Wenger could not help sighing again.

Every time he missed out on a young prospect, it felt as though a piece of flesh had been carved from his body, making him ache all over.

It had been the same with Messi back then, and it was the same with Lin Feng now.

Why did he always miss out on such talented players?

The professor was still very gracious. Although he knew he could not persuade Lin Feng to join Arsenal.

A deal might not happen, but goodwill remained. His attitude toward Lin Feng did not change in the slightest.

He was not like certain hot-tempered people, who might have stormed off in a huff at a time like this.

"Since that is the case, I will take my leave. I wish you and your team a winning start in the final and hope you claim the crown!"

"Thank you for your blessing, Mr. Arsene. I also wish your team great results next season!"

Lin Feng escorted Wenger all the way to the door. Just as he was about to close it, Wenger hesitated before speaking:

"Lin, Arsenal's doors will always be open to you. I hope we will have an opportunity to work together in the future."

Lin Feng froze for a moment. He had not expected the professor to be so persistent.

Did he really think so highly of me?