One of the players Arsene Wenger pursued in the transfer market has finally opened up about the Gunners’ attempt to secure his services. 

Even though the Arsenal manager is usually reluctant to spend in the transfer market, Wenger is frequently linked with a move for a host of players every summer.

And back in 2008, the departure of Mathieu Flaimini meant the club was in search of a new holding midfielder to bolster the squad.

Xabi Alonso was identified as Arsenal’s main target during that summer but a deal for the then Liverpool player failed to materialise.

And almost nine years later, the Spaniard, who is set to retire from football at the end of this season, has revealed that £3m was as close as he came to joining the Gunners.

“I was really close to Juventus and close to Arsenal, but Liverpool were asking for £18m, and they were both offering £15m!” he said

“So that’s why it didn’t happen.”

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!