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."

West Ham host Arsenal on Sunday and 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.

wonderful players

They have lost their last two matches, at Hull City and at home to Bolton Wanderers, while Arsenal are on a high after their Champions League victory over 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.

good team

"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 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 encounter 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."