After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The dust has finally settled on the Champions League group stage, and the standings have been finalized.

Arsenal advanced to the round of 16 with a convincing six-game winning streak, firmly securing the top spot in their group.

Behind these brilliant achievements, one name shines like a comet, firmly occupying the top spot on the scoring leaderboard.

Yan Yuan, 15 goals!

He continues to top the Champions League scoring charts.

This goal tally was like a bombshell, creating a huge wave in European football!

In just six rounds of the group stage, they achieved a terrifying efficiency of 2.5 goals per game.

This is not only Arsenal's best individual performance in the Champions League group stage, but it is also among the best in the entire history of the Champions League.

He was only 18 years old, a young man who had just entered one of the top five leagues, and he declared his dominance in an almost overbearing manner!

The headlines of major sports media outlets were dominated by this number and his unrestrained celebration after scoring.

Terms such as "new king's coronation," "phenomenal," and "alien" were repeatedly mentioned.

Yan Yuan's name has become one of the most sought-after symbols in European football.

Explosive performances on the field bring not only glory on the field, but also real commercial value.

With half the season nearing its end, Arsenal is currently preparing its financial report.

The data statistics department at Arsenal's official store was brightly lit, and the staff's faces were filled with incredible excitement.

178 million pieces! This is the total number of Arsenal home jerseys printed with "YAN YUAN 7" sold worldwide!

Moreover, this is only the data for the halfway point of the season.

It's worth noting that many top players might not even achieve this number in a whole year of jersey sales.

What's even more astonishing is the revenue it generates.

Each Arsenal jersey has an official price of €110.

This means that Arsenal earned a huge revenue of nearly 2 million euros from jersey sales alone!

Of this, the contribution from the Chinese market accounts for an astonishing proportion.

The passion of Chinese fans erupted like a volcano; they supported Yan Yuan with real money, making Arsenal's financial statements look better than ever before.

The jerseys are just the tip of the iceberg.

Yan Yuan's phenomenal rise has acted like a giant magnet, attracting the attention of numerous top sponsors.

Tech giants and financial magnates from China are waving their checkbooks, hoping to establish deep cooperation with Arsenal and Yan Yuan.

The huge prize money for winning all the Champions League group stage matches, the operating revenue from league and cup competitions, plus the surge in peripheral revenue and sponsorships brought by Yan Yuan...

Arsenal's financial situation has undergone a dramatic change.

The club's senior management office was filled with a long-lost, even somewhat unfamiliar, sense of ease and confidence.

The days when Arsenal had to be frugal and even sell key players to break even seem to be gone forever.

That seems to be the case, at least for now.

Now, as we approach the end of December, the winter transfer window for European football is about to open.

Many clubs have already started their transfer activities, and Arsenal is no exception.

Although Arsenal are in great form this season and have enough squad depth to cope with multiple competitions.

But the experienced Professor Wenger and his team have already set their sights on the more distant future, namely the summer transfer window.

Ample financial support gave them unprecedented room for maneuver and confidence.

In the tactical analysis room at the Colney training ground, Wenger, along with his chief scout Steve, technical director Edu, and others, were sitting around a huge screen.

The screen displays match highlights and analysis reports of different leagues and players.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was focused and enthusiastic.

"Mr. Wenger, our financial situation is very healthy right now," Edu said first, his tone tinged with excitement.

"The commercial impact of Yan's performance far exceeded expectations. Coupled with the Champions League prize money and new sponsorship contracts, we anticipate a much stronger cash flow than in previous years by the end of the season. This provides a solid foundation for our summer signings."

Wenger nodded, his gaze sweeping carefully over the screen, and said.

"Although our recent performances seem to be going well, if we want to go further in the Premier League and the Champions League, or even challenge for the title, we need squad depth and upgrades in key positions, especially in midfield and defense."

Next, chief scout Rowley pulled up two detailed player reports.

"After a period of continuous observation and comprehensive evaluation, we believe that there are two players who are very suitable for our current system and future plans."

The screen displayed the information for the first player:

Declan Rice, the midfield maestro for West Ham United, is a tall and handsome young Englishman.

"This young man's name is Rice," Raleigh introduced.

"20 years old, tall and strong, with a large defensive coverage area, excellent positional sense, and first-class interception and stealing abilities."

More importantly, he possesses excellent ball-playing ability and a certain forward-thinking mindset, enabling him to effectively connect the backfield and the frontfield.

He's the 'midfielder' we need, capable of freeing up Rodri and standing alone as a lone defensive midfielder. He has strong mental attributes and is a natural midfield maestro.

Wenger watched Rice's match clips intently, especially his composed passing under high pressure and his crucial interceptions, his eyes filled with admiration.

"This kid is really good. I noticed him when we played against West Ham United at the beginning of the season. But he is West Ham United's midfield anchor, and he is our city rival... His transfer fee will not be low."

"Yes," Edu replied.

"West Ham United's asking price for him is certainly high. Our initial estimate is that it may take 8000 million euros or even more to persuade them, but this investment is worthwhile. He is not only technically reliable, but also has a consistent attendance record and solid physical attributes."

The screen switches, and the second player appears: Dayot Upamecano, a French center-back who plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

"Upamecano," Raleigh continued.

"Also 20 years old, he has explosive physical attributes, is fast, has strong explosiveness, and is top-notch in physical duels. His defensive positioning and anticipation are outstanding among his peers, and his passing ability is also steadily improving. He is an excellent model of a modern center-back, with huge potential, and he can perfectly take over Pepe's position."

"RB Leipzig..." Wenger pondered. "They are known for developing young players and selling them for high prices, making them a veritable 'black market'. But their strategy is also very clear: as long as the price meets their expectations, they are open to negotiation."

"That's right, sir," Edu nodded. "According to our intelligence and assessment, Leipzig's target price for Upamecano is around 4500 million euros."

While the price is high, considering his age, potential, and immediate impact, as well as our need to bolster our defense with fresh blood and speed, this deal offers excellent value. As long as we can guarantee a one-time payment, his transfer will be no problem.

Wenger tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondering for a moment.

"Rice, €8000 million, Upamecano, €4500 million. A total of around €1.25 million... This was an unimaginable investment before. But now..."

He raised his head, his gaze resolute.

"We have the ability and the necessity. One can solidify the midfield foundation, and the other can enhance the defensive vitality. Both are the cornerstones of the team for the next five to ten years."

Edu, Steve, start making contact, express our interest, prepare for the summer transfer window, and remember, keep a low profile and be cautious.

"Understood!" Edu and Raleigh said in unison.

Arsenal's summer transfer window campaign has already quietly begun, just after the Champions League group stage concluded.

Ample funds and clear transfer targets have filled Arsenal fans with anticipation for the club's future.

……

A few days later, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 is about to begin.

The eyes of countless fans around the world are focused on this, anticipating the sparks of this clash of titans.

In the Arsenal club's meeting room, Wenger, Edu, captain Ramsey, and Yan Yuan, who had just returned from Turin after receiving the Golden Boy award, gathered together, watching the live broadcast on the large screen on the wall.

The atmosphere was a little tense, but also exciting, with everyone eagerly awaiting the result.

The guest drawing lots stirred the small balls in the glass tank. One by one, the matchups were drawn:

Real Madrid vs …

Bayern vs …

……

When the guest put his hand into the glass tank again, the meeting room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Next match," the announcer declared, "Arsenal..."

Everyone’s heart is raised.

Yan Yuan clenched his fists subconsciously; he still felt a little nervous at times like this.

"Arsenal...against..." The guest slowly unfolded the note, a hint of surprise flashing across his face, before reading it aloud clearly.

"Paris Saint-Germain!"

"Whoosh—!"

The entire conference room erupted in chaos.

Ramsey slammed his hand on the table. Edu's eyes widened, and even the usually composed Professor Wenger's gaze behind his glasses suddenly sharpened.

"It's Paris Saint-Germain..."

"My God! This fortune slip..."

Yan Yuan's pupils couldn't help but shrink slightly, and then his clenched fist gradually loosened.

Paris Saint-Germain, a familiar name.

Yan Yuan still has his Paris Saint-Germain youth academy jersey in his wardrobe.

This is where his professional career in the top five leagues began, and also where he was once rejected.

Memories of that summer of 2017 flooded back like a tide: the sweat in the youth training camp, the shock and resentment of being dropped from the team, the loneliness of leaving alone with my suitcase...

He never imagined that he would return to the Parc des Princes so quickly as an opponent.

Moreover, this was on the highest level stage, the Champions League knockout stage.

This result surprised Yan Yuan, but it also made him look forward to it.

Perfect timing, he also wanted to go back to Paris for a visit.

……

At the same time, the news swept through global media and fan circles like a hurricane.

Breaking News! A new champions clash in the Champions League Round of 16! Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain!

"A battle of destiny! Yan Yuan returns to Princes Park to face his former master!"

"The battle for the throne of new stars! Mbappe vs. Yan Yuan, who will be the future number one?"

"A clash of the Champions League's uncrowned kings! Arsenal vs. PSG, who can break the curse?"

All the headlines point to the focus of this showdown:

Yan Yuan and Mbappe.

One is the 2018 Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy double winner, the Champions League and Premier League top scorer, the absolute core of Arsenal, and an 18-year-old prodigy whose value has skyrocketed!

One is a member of the 2018 World Cup champions, a rising star in France, the ace striker of Paris Saint-Germain, and a 19-year-old superstar who has long been recognized as the future king of football!

Currently, these two are the most dazzling and talented young attackers on the planet, each ranking among the top scorers in their respective leagues.

Their individual duel will undoubtedly be the biggest highlight of the entire Champions League knockout stage.

Moreover, Yan Yuan and Mbappe are backed by two equally powerful teams eager to prove themselves in the Champions League and break the "no Champions League" curse.

Arsenal, a rising force in the Premier League, boasts a relentless attacking style and has been unstoppable this season under the leadership of Wenger and Yan Yuan.

Paris Saint-Germain, the dominant force in Ligue 1, boasts a star-studded squad including top players such as Neymar, Mbappe, and Cavani, making them virtually invincible in the league.

This is not just a contest between two teams, but a clash of two styles and two ambitions.

It is a direct dialogue between the new generation of champions, and an excellent stage for Yan Yuan to prove himself to his former employer.

As soon as the news broke, the headlines of major sports media outlets around the world were instantly dominated by this match.

On social media, hashtags such as #ArsenalVSParis#, #YanYuanVSMbappe#, and #BattleForTheNewChampionsLeagueKings# have seen explosive growth in popularity, instantly topping global trending charts.

Fans excitedly discussed, predicted, and debated, raising their expectations for the match to an unprecedented level!

"Hahahaha, this was definitely arranged by UEFA on purpose, it's sure to generate a lot of buzz."

"This is so exciting! Mbappe's speed versus Yan Yuan's technique! Just thinking about it is thrilling!"

"Yan Yuan is going back to Paris... This is too dramatic! The Parc des Princes stadium is going to be in an uproar!"

"And neither team has won the Champions League, so they're probably both really eager to improve. This is going to be interesting!"

"Last time I watched the Ballon d'Or live, Yan and Mbappe seemed to get along quite well. They probably don't have any major grudges."...

Yan Yuan's memory inevitably drifted back to that afternoon.

Parc des Princes... Mbappe... Neymar... Paris Saint-Germain... those memories of the past and the challenges of the future, like intertwined flames, burn fiercely in his heart.

This is not an ordinary Champions League knockout match; it is a war for proof, for answers, for the throne of a new star.

Paris, Parc des Princes stadium, see you in two months.