Wenger Confirms He Held Talks With Eden Hazard’s Agent About Arsenal Switch

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsene Wenger confirms he tried to sign Eden Hazard.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he tried to sign Eden Hazard and even met with the players agent but couldn’t compete with Chelsea’s financial power, according to reports.

Hazard was one of the hottest young properties in world football after starring in a Lille side that won the Ligue 1 title in the 2010/11 season, with his potential alerting several top clubs throughout Europe.

The Belgian international remained in France during the 2011/12 season when he netted 22 goals in 49 games before Chelsea eventually won the race for his signature after agreeing a £32m deal with Lille.

Hazard has continued his excellent form at Stamford Bridge over the last 24 months and was recently named as the PFA Young Player of the Year after missing out on the full award to Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.

However, things could have worked out very differently had Arsene Wenger got his way, with the Arsenal boss admitted today that he came close to signing the attacker and even held talks with the players agent at his home before the Blues flexed their financial power.

When quizzed about his interest in Hazard, Wenger is quoted by the Daily Mail as telling BeIN Sports:

‘Yes, I wanted to take him [Hazard], I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn’t make.

‘He can be one of the players who grows into the Messi, Ronaldo stature if he continues to develop well.’

It would have been interesting to see how things would have worked out for the player and the two clubs involved had Arsene managed to get the deal over the line before Chelsea made their move.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

At least Wenger’s revelation shows the north London club at least tried to bring in world class talent in recent years, but I’m sure that wont be a comfort to Arsenal fans who have just learned how close they came to signing a player of Hazard’s quality.

The Belgian international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following Jose Mourinho’s recent criticism of the player, so maybe Wenger could renew his interest and see if the Blue’s would be willing to cash in? It’s surely worth a try!