Saturday, 20th August, 2011
Marseille boss Didier Deschamps has revealed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wanted to take Argentine midfielder Lucho Gonzalez to the Emirates, but the offer made for his services was unacceptable.
The former FC Porto star has been linked with the Stade Velodrome exit door all summer, with Roma the closest to agreeing a transfer.
Marseille would play ball for the right price, but Deschamps has explained that Wenger wanted Gonzalez on loan, a proposal that was simply unacceptable to the French giants.
"Arsene Wenger is convinced that Lucho is a great player who could be helpful for his team", Deschamps told L’Equipe.
"But he wanted him on loan, an offer that was unacceptable to us."
The 30-year-old landed at Marseille in 2009 and instantly helped the club to win the 2009/10 Ligue 1 title.
Wenger’s approach for Gonzalez offers clues as to his thinking, with the Arsenal boss desperate to replace the departed Cesc Fabregas and the departing Samir Nasri. However, the Frenchman is also keen not to splash out huge sums of money if possible.
Latest Features:
