Scout names player he desperately tried to bring to Arsenal who would have been game-changing

A former Arsenal and Chelsea scout has opened up on a world-class player he tried to bring to the Emirates.

Arsenal are going head-to-head with Manchester City for the Premier League title for a second year running after Mikel Arteta completely transformed the club since his arrival.

The Gunners have returned to challenging for major honours thanks to Arteta’s management and careful recruitment since the Spaniard took the helm.

During Unai Emery’s time at the club, 31-year-old Yousuf Sajjad worked as a chief analyst for the club, briefly working under Arteta before departing according to Transfermarkt.

Sajjad also worked with Chelsea before moving to the Emirates and has opened up on the players he tried to bring to North London.

He revealed to Rising Ballers that Jude Bellingham was a top target for multiple clubs, Arsenal included, but had focused his attention on signing a different young star - Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz emerged as one of Germany’s top talents but has taken his career to the next level under Xabi Alonso this season, spearheading Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten season with 17 goals and 19 assists in 44 appearances.

Sajjad revealed he attempted to bring the youngster to England while he was plying his trade with FC Koln.

When asked who the biggest names he tried to bring to Arsenal, he said: “I'd say the two biggest names in football - Jude Bellingham and Flo Wirtz at Leverkusen.

"There was a period when he was at Koln. He was coming towards the end of his contract. You could see the level of player he was. He had that season, quite a few injuries.

"He was playing, he wasn't playing. It was almost like at that point, it was something they were not keen on at that moment or at least he was keen on pursuing at that moment.

"I think education is quite important in Germany and it was almost like he has to finish school. He makes a great move to Leverkusen and it works out really well for him.

"He probably has the choice of whatever club in the world that wants to sign him but also achieving great things at Leverkusen.

"Not so much Jude, it was more Flo."

While Bellingham was also on his shortlist after extensively scouting him during his spell at Chelsea, Sajjad revealed the England international’s mind was already made up meaning he switched his attention to Wirtz.

He added: “"The conversation had already happened before I joined and he had already decided at that point to stay at Birmingham.

"You bring Jude to the table and it was like 'we've been there, done that'

"That was one of the players, it's easy to say now because of the level he's playing at, but along with Jude, they are two of the best players I've seen at youth level."

Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfer News, Football

Marcus Banks

Marcus Banks is a social media editor for SPORTbible. He previously worked for publications such as the Liverpool Echo, Daily Mirror, Manchester Evening News and Dexerto. Specialises in football and MMA.

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