ARSENAL chief Mikel Arteta has hinted he tried to sign ‘special’ Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara.
The Reds eventually landed Spain star Alcantara from Champions League winners Bayern Munich in a £27million £200,000-a-week deal this month.
Thiago Alcantara was wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United before moving to LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arteta, trying to sign Chelsea holding midfielder Jorginho after missing out on Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey, dismissed his bid to snap up former Barcelona star Alcantara.
Manchester United were also after Thiago, who impressed on his debut last week against Chelsea.
Arteta said: “We don’t discuss the things we try and do in the market, but I like him from my time in Barcelona.
“Incredible personality, great talent, very special, great qualities to play in midfield and yes, I think he is a great signing for Liverpool.”
Gunners chief Arteta has signed Brazilian Lille centre-half Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian on a free transfer from Chelsea.
He hopes to land a midfielder before the deadline and has been heavily linked with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.
Liverpool have also snapped up Wolves striker Dioga Jota in a £45m deal.
Alcantara, 29, joined after helping Bayern win the Champions League last season.
He provides competition to the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Gigi Wijnaldum.
Arsenal should make £50m Dele Alli transfer offer from rivals Tottenham to add midfield goals, says Ray Parlour
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
