Arsene Wenger met with the press ahead of Saturday’s crucial trip to Stamford Bridge. Although the Frenchman won’t be on the pitch to shake Chelsea player’s hand – he is serving his touchline ban – it didn’t stop the Arsenal boss from praising one Blues ace.
That man was summer signing N’Golo Kante, the defensive midfielder who was one of many catalysts in Leicester’s title triumph. The player now looks destined to win a second consecutive Premier League title, with Chelsea topping the table, something Wenger believes is a direct effect of Kante’s arrival.
Le Prof then went on to reveal that the north London club attempted to sign the French ace, not once, but twice – when he was in France and last summer. Wenger didn’t wish to discuss why Arsenal failed to sign the 25-year-old, but the manager hinted at Chelsea’s superior financial power being the decisive factor.
“Have I looked to sign Kante? Yes. When he was in France and when he was at Leicester,” said Wenger (as per the Guardian).
“I cannot explain everything [about why he preferred Chelsea] but it is quite obvious when you look at where he has gone. Was it the money? I do not want to talk about that. Transfers are transfers – you cannot explain absolutely everything.”
Whilst Kante is expected to be at the heart of Saturday’s midfield battle, Arsenal face a selection headache. They are without Ramsey (injured), Xhaka (suspended), and Elneny (international duty) for the trip to Stamford Bridge, leaving them short of options.
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