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Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger makes stunning Henrikh Mkhitaryan revelation
ARSENE WENGER has revealed he tried and failed to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Arsenal two years ago.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: It's a dream to play for Arsenal
Arsenal were monitoring Henrikh Mkhitaryan when he was at Borussia Dortmund, but instead he chose Manchester United.
After failing to make a mark during his 18-month spell at Old Trafford, the Armenian completed a move to the Emirates on Monday while Alexis Sanchez headed the other way.
Mkhitaryan will now take the No7 shirt which had been vacated once Sanchez left Arsenal.
And Wenger has revealed that he met with Mkhitaryan personally in 2016 to try and strike a deal, but he was unable to convince the playmaker at the time.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal on Monday
Yeah, I met him at the time. At the time we were close, but in in the end it didn't work
“Yeah, I met him at the time," Wenger said.
"At the time we were close, but in in the end it didn't work."
Wenger also admitted he did have concerns that Mkhitaryan’s spell at United may have knocked his confidence.
He added: “Yes of course, you worry about how much it as affected him.
Arsene Wenger admits he tried to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan in 2016
“But as well it's a new chance for him.
"What you want in life is a new chance, he gets a new chance to show his quality and I'm sure he will take it.
“I might have to analyse with him how it went, and how we can help him."
Mkhitaryan is ineligible to face Chelsea tonight (8pm) in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final as he is cup tied, but he could make his debut away to Swansea (7.45pm) on Tuesday.
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