Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hints he tried to sign ‘special’ Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara in dismissive interview
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.
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.
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.”
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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.
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Liverpool have also snapped up Wolves striker Dioga Jota in a £45m deal.
Alcantara, 29, joined after several successful years in Germany.
He provides competition to the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner and Gigi Wijnaldum.