According to German football expert Raphael Honigstein, Arsenal tried and failed to sign RB Leipzig winger Emil Forsberg in January, reports The S*n.
The 26-year-old has been linked with the Gunners all season, having scored and created 27 goals in 2016/17. He was reported to have a release clause of £20m inserted into his contract but Leipzig had no desire to do business with any suitor.
Forsberg’s agent was public in his criticism of Leipzig turning down interest in the summer for the winger, and Honigstein revealed Arsenal were one of the sides rejected in the winter transfer window too.
He said on the Totally Football Show podcast: “Emil Forsberg is still a guy who really wants to go to the Premier League. He was very upset when Arsenal’s offer was turned down straight away by Leipzig. I think (Arsenal) will come back in for him because he has got a lot of talent.”
Honigstein thinks Arsenal will come back in for Forsberg this summer, but the Gunners may feel they already have enough in attack.
The 26-year-old is no doubt talented, but he would struggle for regular playing time in a side containing Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi, Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Arsenal have a greater need to strengthen their midfield and defence, rather than adding more attacking players to the squad.
What is interesting about the Forsberg revelation is when it must have happened. Alexis Sanchez was on his way out of the club in January so perhaps Arsene Wenger opted for the Swedish international as his replacement.
Forsberg’s injury problems and inconsistent form (11 Bundesliga games, 1 goal, 2 assists) may put Arsenal off an improved bid while the squad is overstocked in attack.