Wenger tells reporters: Arsenal nearly signed Thauvin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told reporters that he had a long term interest in Marseille midfielder Florian Thauvin. The player joined the French club last summer from Lille.

Whilst the player was at Lille, the Gunners sent head scout Gilles Grimandi to watch the player in action, however Arsenal missed out on the player as he later joined Marseille in a big money deal.


Marseille prepare to take on Arsenal at the Emirates this evening in a crucial Champions League game.


"This transfer was a surprise for me. We were also following him, and we were interested in him before he went to Lille," said Wenger.

"He is one of the great hopes of French football. He will go higher, he's only 20 years old. 

"His progress does not depend on his talent, but I would say it depends on his mind. The future will tell."


Arsenal defeated Marseille 2-0 in the Champions League last night, with Jack Wilshere scoring both goals. Thauvin very nearly made a big impression on the game as he came close to scoring at the end of the tie.