French Stopper Claims He Rejected Arsenal Move

Despite the British transfer window being closed, there is always transfer gossip doing the rounds in the papers and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest news during the coming months. Today, a French defender claims he turned down Arsenal.

French defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has revealed he rejected a proposal from Arsenal because he had his heart set on a move to AC Milan, according to Sky Sports.

The Montpellier ace has become one of the most coveted defenders in Ligue 1 after another excellent season, captaining the side en route to an unlikely league title last season.

Italian giants AC Milan were thought to be close to signing the centre-back in a €6million (£4.75m) deal but the move was blocked by Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin at the last minute, despite agreeing with the player that he could leave this summer.

Arsenal were also linked with the versatile stopper but it appears their move was snubbed due to Mbiwa’s desire to move to the San Siro.

“The chairman told me I have an agreement to leave.

“AC Milan came for me. But the chairman refused the offer. So I understood it would be difficult.

“Arsenal came to make an attempt. But I was focused on something else [AC Milan]. I was disappointed when I understood it could not be sorted out with Milan.

“The chairman is our boss, our godfather, the one who educated us and gave us an opportunity. We have to show respect.”

Mbiwa is quoted as saying by Sky Sports

Arsene Wenger hinted he would like to add a defender and a midfielder to his squad before the transfer window shut last month, but the Gunners failed to sign any new faces – much to the disappointment of many fans.

But it seems Wenger was trying to make moves in the market, if Mbiwa’s claims are accurate, but wasn’t able to secure his targets.

Read more Arsenal transfer news

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