St Etienne defender Loic Perrin has admitted he wanted to move to the Emirates in January following what he called “serious” talks with Arsenal.
The Gunners ended up making two signings during the winter window Krystian Bielik and Gabriel Paulista who manager Arsene Wenger preferred over the 29-year-old Frenchman.
When asked about the move Perrin said he would have joined Arsenal for sure had an offer been made for him.
‘There were serious contacts via my agent. I think I was on a shortlist but not at the very top apparently,’ Perrin said.
‘A transfer in this window, it is difficult. But it is difficult to refuse Arsenal. I have always said that if I have to leave St Étienne, one day, it would be for a bigger club, a club that plays Champions League.
‘A club like Arsenal, I don’t think many Ligue 1 players would refuse.’
