Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal almost signed Raphael Varane, before his move to Real Madrid.
The French youngster signed for Los Blancos in the summer of 2011 and has recently caught the attention for his performances for the team.
Originally thought the approach of Manchester United before opting for Madrid, Varane also might have had the chance to go to Arsenal, according to their manager.
“He was at Lens and we might well have caught him there. You have to ask yourself why this player is not playing for Arsenal,” Wenger told Eurosport this week.
“I'm happy for him because he's carving out a role at one of the world's best clubs. [Madrid Coach Jose] Mourinho has chosen him to step in.
“It was a risk for Real Madrid to sign him at his age but, when you have such talent, you can overcome everything.
“His next challenge is managing the increased media exposure on him, especially now he is in the French national side.”
