Arsenal reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Thiago Alcantara before he made the switch to Liverpool.

The Spaniard made his intention clear to leave Bayern Munich after rejecting a new contract beyond next summer and he eventually sealed his move to Anfield earlier this week.

However, according to The Athletic, it appears that the Gunners were also offered the chance to sign Alcantara this summer, but they decided against making an offer for his services.

Thiago, 29, has been a lesser influence in an attacking point of view over the past years and it seems that the Gunners opted against a move due to that reason as well as his age.

The north London giants want to sign a creative attacking midfielder before next month's transfer deadline and they have identified Lyon's Houssem Aouar as the prime target.

Lyon want at least £55m for part ways with the Frenchman and reports claim that the Gunners will need to recoup funds from player sales before making a formal bid for the playmaker.