The King Of Arsenal

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Francesco nodded, listening intently as Ivan and Wenger explained what the senior contract entailed. They discussed the responsibilities that came with being a member of the first team, the expectations, and the dedication required to maintain his position. Francesco was struck by how seriously they regarded him, treating him not as a young prospect, but as a core part of the team's future.

Then conversation turn in sn out light conversation, with Wenger and Gazidis eager to make Francesco feel at ease. They asked him about his family, how he was handling the increased attention, and how he'd been adjusting to playing alongside seasoned professionals in the first team. Francesco answered each question with as much honesty as he could, sensing that they weren't just trying to ease him into the conversation—they genuinely wanted to get to know him beyond his performance on the pitch.

"I've heard a lot about your love for cycling," Wenger said with a smile. "Most players at your age would jump at the chance to drive a sports car, but you choose a bike?"

Francesco chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed but proud. "I like the freedom it gives me. It's relaxing after a match, and London's quiet streets at night… it's like they help me unwind."

"Quite refreshing," Wenger nodded approvingly. "It shows character, Francesco. Football's not just about what happens on the pitch, after all. Balance is essential."

Ivan Gazidis leaned forward, chiming in. "And that balance has clearly benefited you. You seem very grounded, which is rare for someone your age, especially in this sport. We're glad to see you keeping that perspective. It's something we value at Arsenal."

Jorge Mendes, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "I always tell my clients that staying grounded is the key to staying on top."

The conversation drifted to Francesco's experiences in the youth academy, his thoughts on recent matches, and how he'd handled the transition to first-team training. Wenger, in particular, seemed curious about Francesco's mindset during those high-stakes moments.

"So, how do you find stepping into the spotlight?" Wenger asked, leaning back with a thoughtful smile. "It's a big change, from youth team games to a packed stadium."

Francesco paused, carefully considering his response. "Honestly, it's thrilling, but it's also… humbling. I'm aware that every moment matters. I know the fans have expectations, the coaches have expectations, and I do my best to live up to them."

Wenger nodded approvingly. "That's the right attitude. Pressure can break many players, but those who understand it, learn from it, and don't fear it… they're the ones who grow."

Ivan smiled, glancing between Wenger and Francesco. "Speaking of growth, Arsène and I are both very excited to see where you'll go with Arsenal. I think it's safe to say that last night showed us something special."

They continued like this for a while, sharing laughs and insights, the conversation feeling more like a friendly chat than a high-stakes meeting. But after some time, Jorge cleared his throat, and the room subtly shifted. "Well, now that we've had our pleasant chat, let's get into the serious stuff, shall we?"

Wenger and Gazidis both sat up a little straighter, the easygoing smiles fading into expressions of careful concentration. Wenger folded his hands, his gaze steady as he looked at Francesco.

"Francesco," he began, "there's something I want you to understand about Arsenal. We're not just looking to sign a player who will contribute for a season or two. We're looking to build something long-lasting, to shape a legacy. When I see you play, I see potential that reminds me of Thierry Henry. And that's no small comparison. We see you as a crucial part of our vision for the future of this club."

Francesco felt a thrill of excitement and a pang of responsibility at Wenger's words. Thierry Henry was an Arsenal legend—a player whose name was synonymous with the club's greatness.

Ivan Gazidis nodded, adding, "We don't take comparisons like that lightly, Francesco. Arsène's been talking about training you in ways that would maximize your potential, molding you as a future leader for the team. We believe Arsenal is the right place for you to develop, and we're hoping you'll choose to commit to us."

Jorge, sensing the gravity of the moment, carefully took the contract from the table as it was slid over. He glanced at Francesco with a reassuring look, then began scanning the details. The room grew quiet as he read, the air filled with anticipation.

"Alright," Jorge said, after a moment, looking up from the contract. "This is a generous offer. The terms are promising and reflect how much Arsenal values you, Francesco. But let's take a closer look together and make sure this contract aligns with your goals."

Jorge glanced at Francesco, then at Wenger and Gazidis, his face shifting to a serious but courteous expression as he opened the contract conversation. "As much as we're excited about this opportunity, I hope Arsenal understands that Francesco's talent deserves fair compensation, especially for his age and what he's already demonstrated."

Wenger and Gazidis nodded, signaling they were ready to hear the terms. Jorge began, "I believe a wage offer in the range of £50,000 to £75,000 weekly would be fitting. Francesco has already proven himself in the reserves and is making strides in the first team. For the length, a four-year contract sounds appropriate to establish his footing and development at Arsenal."

Ivan, showing slight surprise, glanced at Wenger before responding. "A weekly wage in that range is ambitious for someone just stepping into the senior team. We're certainly willing to consider it, but we want to ensure Francesco's motivation is focused on growth rather than solely on finances. The current structure we have in mind would start him around £45,000 a week, with performance-based increases."

Jorge nodded thoughtfully but didn't back down. "With all due respect, Ivan, Francesco has already shown that he can handle the pressures of first-team play. Offering a wage closer to £65,000 a week not only secures his commitment to Arsenal but shows him that you recognize his potential and the demands he'll face. He's in a unique position to become an icon for the club—similar to Thierry Henry, as you've both noted."

Wenger chimed in, a gentle smile on his face. "Jorge, I admire your tenacity, and you know I value Francesco's future with us. But we need a balanced approach to ensure his long-term growth. Arsenal's philosophy has always been about developing talent without overwhelming them with external expectations, financial or otherwise. I'd say starting closer to £50,000 a week is reasonable, given his age and early career stage."

Jorge, not missing a beat, moved on to the next point. "We're also looking at a release clause of £50 million, as a safeguard in case Francesco's value skyrockets. He's clearly a star in the making, and we want to make sure he has flexibility in his career options, should the need arise."

Ivan raised an eyebrow, mulling this over. "£50 million is a bit steep for a young player's release clause. We're aiming for a more realistic range—perhaps £35 million. Francesco is certainly talented, but this is a considerable amount for a developing player."

Jorge nodded, his voice calm but assertive. "If you believe in Francesco's future, then you know he's worth every bit of that valuation. But I'm willing to meet you partway—how about a £40 million release clause?"

Wenger and Ivan exchanged a glance, with Wenger giving a slight nod of approval. "£40 million is something we can agree on, I believe," Wenger replied, folding his hands on the table.

Encouraged, Jorge continued with a smile. "For the signing bonus, we're looking at a fair figure—£100,000. Francesco's commitment to Arsenal has been unwavering, and a bonus like this is not just a reward but a vote of confidence from the club."

Ivan and Wenger agreed without protest, both nodding in acknowledgment of the reasonable bonus amount. Sensing they were close to finalizing, Jorge brought up the performance bonus. "Lastly, regarding incentives. Francesco will be putting in every ounce of effort for Arsenal, and a goal-scoring bonus of £2,000 per goal would be a fitting incentive."

At this, Ivan leaned forward, shaking his head slightly. "We typically offer goal incentives closer to £1,000 for players starting out. While we understand Francesco's potential, we want his focus to remain on teamwork and growth rather than individual gains."

Jorge chuckled lightly, appreciating Ivan's careful approach. "I understand, Ivan. But with all due respect, rewarding a player for each goal scored serves as a motivator. It's an acknowledgment of the hard work he puts in to help the team succeed."

The back-and-forth continued for a few more minutes, with each side refining and adjusting their positions. Francesco, who had been listening intently, found it both amusing and humbling to watch these three men debate over his future, seeing how much they valued him and wanted the best.

Finally, after some negotiation, a consensus was reached. Wenger and Ivan offered a compromise: Francesco would start with a weekly wage of £65,000, a four-year contract, a £40 million release clause, a £100,000 signing bonus, and a £1,000 bonus for each goal he scored. Jorge leaned back, satisfied, and extended his hand toward Wenger and Ivan with a broad smile. "You have yourself a deal."

They shook hands, and the tension in the room eased, replaced by a shared excitement for Francesco's future. Wenger turned to Francesco, his voice warm and encouraging. "Congratulations, Francesco. You're officially a member of Arsenal's first team. We look forward to what you'll bring to the club."

Francesco, overwhelmed by the moment, shook hands with each of them, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Wenger, Mr. Gazidis. I won't let you down."

Jorge clapped Francesco on the shoulder. "I know you won't. This is just the beginning, Francesco. Make the most of it."

Ivan turned to his secretary, giving her a nod. "Could you call in the photographer and have a copy of Francesco's contract printed for him to sign?"

With a quick acknowledgment, she stepped out, leaving Wenger, Gazidis, and Jorge in comfortable silence with Francesco. Wenger and Ivan shared a few encouraging words, telling Francesco how much they were looking forward to watching him flourish in Arsenal's first team. A few moments later, the door opened, and the photographer entered, carrying his camera gear and setting up to capture the moment. Shortly after, the secretary returned, holding a fresh printout of Francesco's contract, which she placed on the table in front of him.

Francesco's excitement mixed with a slight nervousness as he reached for the pen that Ivan handed him. Cameras flashed, and the photographer recorded the moment as Francesco, concentrating, leaned over and signed his name on the dotted line. Each stroke of the pen felt monumental, the ink marking his official step into a new chapter with Arsenal.

The photographer continued capturing images, including a video recording of the historic signing as Francesco added his signature to each page. When he was done, he glanced up with a smile, feeling a mix of pride and disbelief. Arsène Wenger and Ivan Gazidis both congratulated him with firm handshakes, their smiles bright under the camera lights.

"Welcome to Arsenal, Francesco," Wenger said warmly. "We know you'll make us proud."

The photographer then positioned them for a group shot. Francesco sat at the table with the signed contract in front of him, holding the pen he'd just used. Wenger and Gazidis stood on either side, each resting a supportive hand on Francesco's shoulder. The cameras clicked as they all smiled for the lens, capturing the moment in a picture that symbolized Francesco's official arrival into the first team.

After a few more shots, the photographer gave them an approving nod. Ivan looked at Francesco, his expression relaxed and pleased. "These photos will be perfect for the announcement—we want everyone to know that you're officially a Gunner."

As the session wrapped up, Ivan gave Francesco a friendly clap on the back, while Arsène shook his hand once more, leaning in to add, "Enjoy the moment, Francesco. You've earned it. But remember, this is just the beginning. Keep working hard."

Francesco nodded earnestly. "I will, Mr. Wenger. Thank you again for this opportunity."

Wenger's expression softened, pride and encouragement clear in his eyes. "The pleasure is ours, Francesco. Let's build something great together."

After exchanging one final handshake with Arsène Wenger and Ivan Gazidis, Francesco and Jorge Mendes stepped out of the training center together. The air was cool, and Francesco couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and excitement settling in as he took in everything that had just happened.

Turning to Jorge, Francesco's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Jorge. I don't know if I could have done this without you."

Jorge smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Francesco's shoulder. "It's nothing, Francesco. You've earned this, and I'm glad I could help. Just remember, this is only the beginning. Work hard, and live up to the potential we both know you have."

Francesco nodded, feeling a fresh wave of determination. "I won't let you down."

With a final nod of encouragement, Jorge stepped toward his car. "I'll be keeping an eye on you. Make us proud, Francesco."

As Jorge drove away, Francesco turned to his bicycle, unlocked it, and set off toward home. The ride was swift, his mind racing with anticipation to share the big news with his family. He reached his house, parked his bike, and rushed inside, the excitement nearly bubbling over.

The sound of the front door closing caught his parents' attention, and they turned to him with expectant smiles. His mother, Sarah, was the first to speak. "Francesco! How did it go? How was the contract signing?"

His father, Mike, stepped forward with equal anticipation. "Did everything go smoothly, son?"

Francesco's face broke into a wide grin as he looked at them, practically bursting with pride. "It went great, Mom, Dad! You're not going to believe it—I'll be earning £65,000 a week, with a signing bonus and even a goal bonus! And they included a release clause for £40 million!"

Sarah's hands flew to her mouth in astonishment, her eyes brimming with pride. "Oh, Francesco! That's incredible!"

Mike placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder, his voice filled with admiration. "I knew you could do it, son. You've made us so proud. This is just the beginning of what I'm sure will be an amazing career."

Francesco's heart swelled at their encouragement, and he gave his mom and dad each a warm hug. "Thank you. I couldn't have done it without your support. Now it's time to make the most of it."

As the excitement in the room began to settle, Francesco looked around, taking in the warmth and pride shining from his parents' faces. This moment, he realized, was not just about a contract or the numbers on a piece of paper—it was about the years of hard work, the countless sacrifices, and the unwavering support of his family. With his family behind him and a dream within reach, Francesco knew that no challenge was too great, and this was only the first step of a journey that, together, they would make unforgettable.

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Name : Francesco Lee

Age : 16 (2014)

Birthplace : London, England

Football Club : Arsenal First Team

Championship History : None