Former Birmingham City striker Nikola Zigic has confirmed his agent was in talks with Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The Serbia international, 33, was one of several players looked at by manager Arsene Wenger following Olivier Giroud’s injury.
After search the market for a capable replacement for the Frenchman, the Gunners signed Danny Welbeck from Manchester United for a fee believed to be in the region of £16 million.
“Everything that you saw in the press was true,” Zigic told IBTimes UK.
“My agent was talking with Arsenal but they finally opted for another player.
“We talked with them until the last few days of the market.”
Zigic would have been absolutely delighted to join Arsenal, and rightly so, as he remains without a club after being released by Birmingham City at the end of last season.
“I am very happy because Arsenal had me on their list. I would have liked it,” added Zigic.
“Big teams always consider several alternatives before signing one.”
Zigic bagged 37 goals in 142 appearances across all competitions for Birmingham City.
Schalke want to keep Huntelaar
Schalke 04 general manager Horst Heldt has rubbished reports suggesting Arsenal made a bid for Holland international striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during the latest transfer window.
In fact, Heldt insists Schalke did not require any inquiries from any club for Huntelaar, who tallied one goal and one assist in three substitute appearances for Holland at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“We have not been receiving any transfer inquiries from Arsenal or any other club for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar,” Heldt said.
“Huntelaar is a fixture at our club.
“We are definitely able to imagine signing a new contract with him.
“There is no doubt he is a top quality player and a true role model.
“He is ambitious, determined and truly hungry for success.”
Arsenal have been linked with Huntelaar on several occasions over the past two seasons, and Olivier Giroud’s injury seemingly gave Arsene Wenger the opportunity to pull the trigger and submit a bid.
Instead, as previously mentioned, the Gunners opted to sign Danny Welbeck for £16 million.
Only time will tell how Welbeck settles in at the Emirates, but either Huntelaar or Loic Remy–arguably– were surely better options to replace Giroud in the starting XI.
In other news, Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has (finally) been granted a work permit by the UK Border Agency and will be available for selection when the Red Devils host Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, 14 September.
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