New Newcastle United signing Florian Thauvin admits that he was approached by Arsenal two or three seasons ago.
Thauvin, once dubbed French football’s great hope by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, has completed a move to St. James’ Park from Marseille.
The Stade Velodrome outfit knocked back two approaches from the Magpies earlier this summer, but then had a change of heart and have sold Thauvin for a fee which could hit €20m, while Remy Cabella has gone the other way on loan.
Thauvin has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs in recent years, but he insists apart from Newcastle, Arsenal are the only club to have approached him.
“Two or three seasons ago, Arsene Wenger perhaps made an approach with Arsenal”, he was quoted as saying at his unveiling by the Press Association.
“But apart from Arsenal, Newcastle are the only other club who have made an approach for me in the past”, the attacking midfielder added.
Thauvin cost Marseille €15m to snap up from Lille, but the south coast club decided to part ways with him this summer.
The Frenchman will be bidding to make a big splash in the Premier League this term, especially with Euro 2016 in France on the horizon.
