The Italian has revealed he was tempted to take the Upton Park job because of the club's plans to revive their reputation as the Academy of Football.

And he revealed it is Wenger's blueprint that he plans to follow as he looks to build a dynasty in the East End.

He said: "The project that Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani told me about was to take young players from here and the rest of the world and develop them.

"That's the part of the job I like the most, helping players get better with every training session.

"It was the only reason I came here. The plan is to compete with the big teams by taking a group of young players and helping them develop."

Zola will get his first taste of taking on the Premier League's big four on Sunday as Wenger's side visit Upton Park.

It is a test the Chelsea legend is relishing, but he knows he is facing a fearsome task to turn around the slump his side are enduring.

They have lost their last two games, at Hull and at home to Bolton, while Arsenal are on a high after their Champions League destruction of Fenerbahce.

And Zola revealed it is that sort of performance which makes him believe Arsenal might be the best side to watch in the world.

He said: "They play the best football of any team in this country and possibly in any other country.

"But we will go out and attack them like we always do. There is no point sitting and waiting for them and trying to defend against Arsenal because they will always find a way through.

"They have players like Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott who are wonderful players.

"I really like Walcott. He is a regular in his national side but is only very young. He is very talented.

"You have to admire the way Arsene Wenger manages. He has had a great influence on the game in this country and he is one of the best managers in the world.

"I have only met him once since I arrived. We saw each other in a hotel and we had a quick chat, but no more than that.

"But I will not lose any sleep about this game or the one against Manchester United on Sunday. These are the games that made me want to come to England.

"I will tell my players that yes, these games are dangerous because you can lose at home. But your confidence is very high if you win because you have beaten a good team.

"You can use that for the rest of your season. You have got to have faith in your players and be brave enough to do things your way."

In his seven years at Chelsea, the Italian never once tasted success in a Premier League game against the Gunners.

In 12 appearances against Wenger's side, Zola notched three goals but could only manage eight defeats and four draws.

He added: "Maybe that will change as a manager!

"They have always been very hard to play against and even harder to beat but things can always change."

Zola will be without midfielder Mark Noble for Sunday's game after the England under-21 midfielder suffered a torn calf in training earlier this week.

But Lee Bowyer and James Collins will both be available for selection.