Arsene Wenger admits he tried to sign Gonzalo Higuain and the Napoli striker is glad he opted against Arsenal.
The former Real Madrid hitman was the subject of a bidding war that the Partenopei won for approximately €37m.
Arsene Wenger admits he tried to sign Gonzalo Higuain and the Napoli striker is glad he opted against Arsenal.
The former Real Madrid hitman was the subject of a bidding war that the Partenopei won for approximately €37m.
“We were working on two or three targets and he was one of them,” Wenger told the official Arsenal website.
“It didn't come off in the end, that doesn't take anything away from his quality. Napoli took advantage of that at the right moment, it's more about timing as well.
“In the end Real Madrid sold two great players, one of them went to Napoli, one [Mesut Ozil] went to Arsenal so it's 1-1 on that front.”
Higuain also spoke to the Sunday People about his decision and facing old Real teammate Ozil in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“I am very happy that I have joined Napoli. We have started well in the league in Italy and have got off to a good start in Europe too,” said ‘Pipita.’
“I know there was other interest from England and Italy, but I am very sure that I made the right choice by joining Napoli and have no regrets. It is a club where I can achieve everything I want.
“I had the pleasure to play with Mesut and he is one of the best players in the world,” continued Higuain.
“As a striker he is a dream to play with because you know he is going to create you chances. When you look at some of the crazy fees that players moved for this summer, you have to say that Mesut was a great deal for Arsenal.”