He made two substitute appearances in the Gunners' Worthington Cup campaign, his debut coming against Grimsby Town. He then made his Premiership debut in a 4-1 thrashing of Fulham at Highbury in February of that season.

The player was part of the Arsenal side which won the FA Youth Cup, scoring nine goals on the way - equaling Michael Owen's record for goals in the competition.

He is also a graduate of the famous Clairefontaine Academy in his homeland.

Aliadiere impressed during the club's pre-season tour of Austria in 2002, which earned him the promotion into the first team squad on a regular basis for the new season.

He scored his first ever goal in injury time as Arsenal hammered Premiership newboys West Bromwich Albion in the second game of the season, tapping in from three yards.

But just when it seemed the striker would gain a regular place in the squad it suffered a hernia injury in September, which returned in March to end his season.

Despite an injury-hit campaign he still managed to make his bow for the France Under-21 squad.

He looks a real bright prospect, and boss Arsene Wenger has said Aliadiere is 'very, very talented'.

After missing the start of the 2003/04 term he returned to action in October. But he was ruled out for another three months in January due to a knee injury.

He bagged four goals, all in the Carling Cup, and made ten Premiership appearances to bag a championship medal.