‘There is far less work to do at Chelsea than Arsenal’ says pundit
Ahead of the new season, Arsenal were facing a crisis in defence with Sead Kolasinac ruled out for two months and Nacho Monreal struggling with a knee injury.
As a result, Arsenal were linked with experienced AC Milan defender Ricardo Rodriguez but the Swiss ace opted to remain in Italy.
And Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel has now claimed Arsenal were close to signing Mendyl.
Mendyl joined Schalke from French side Lille on a five year deal for an undisclosed fee on Friday.
The 20-year-old had made just 14 appearances for Lille but was highly regarded.
And when asked about the transfer, Heidel revealed the move happened because of a work permit issue with Arsenal.
“I think otherwise he would have gone to Arsenal," Heidel said.
Monreal has returned to fitness, Arsenal's problems in defence remain with Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles set to miss several games through injury.
Hamza Mendyl has joined Bundesliga side Schalke (Image: GETTY)
After back-to-back defeats, Arsenal boss Emery is quickly realising the tough job he has to do.
And former Newcastle striker and current BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer believes Emery will need time to remove Arsene Wenger’s “scent”.
“It is going to be hugely difficult for Unai Emery to get rid of the scent of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal,” Shearer said.
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Hamza Mendyl in action for Lille last season (Image: GETTY)
“Wenger’s stamp is all over that football club – in and around the training ground, in and around the Emirates,
“You cannot expect a guy to be in a club for six weeks and miraculously turn it around and for everything to be rosy straight away,
“He will probably need 18 months and three transfer windows to get rid of Arsene Wenger’s shadow, you can only really judge him after that.”