Gradually making his way into Saint-Etienne’s first-team squad, Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel has nearly played 1000 minutes of Ligue 1 football this season, which, for an 18-year-old, isn’t bad at all.
It’s even more impressive when you take into account he has to contend with Kevin Malcuit for the role, a recurring target for West Ham in the Premier League.
With time on his side, the young defender holds impressive ambitions, which won’t happen overnight, but could become a reality with hard work and determination.
Speaking to But! Football Club in France, Pierre-Gabriel explained his dream destination, the one where he knows he will have made it if he signs there, is Arsenal: “I’ve always had a soft spot for them”.
Modelling himself on both Phillipe Lahm and Serge Aurier, the 18-year-old, who picked up his first U19 cap for France a couple of months ago, would also like to play one day at Old Trafford, although preferably for the Gunners.
On the bench when Saint-Etienne faced Manchester United in the Europa League, the young defender was taken aback by the ‘mythical’ stadium.
As for his chances of joining Arsenal in the near future, they’re probably slim, especially with a certain Hector Bellerin in the way, but anything can happen in football.
Also capable of playing at left-back, which he has done a few times this season for Saint-Etienne, his versatility could definitely work in his favour in the future.
First, though, dethroning Malcuit, which, if West Ham have their way, shouldn’t be too difficult.
