Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin has revealed that he came close to joining Arsenal last summer for the third time in his career.
Sahin rejoined Dortmund on a long-term loan deal in January after a similar switch to Liverpool last summer failed to work out for either party.
Ahead of Dortmund's Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium this evening, Sahin has revealed that he held talks with Arsenal before choosing Liverpool, while praising his former Real Madrid teammate Mesut Ozil.
He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "Three times in my career I was almost at Arsenal, it was very close. It never happened, but that is normal in football.
"It was a good time for me to be part of a great club like Liverpool with such history and good teammates. I think I was 16 the first time and then last summer we spoke with Arsenal, but in the end I signed with Liverpool."
"He is a great player and good friend of mine [Ozil]. If you said he was the only player for Arsenal it would be disrespectful, but you can definitely say he is an important part of the team."
The Turkish international has settled quickly in his second spell with Jurgen Klopp's side at Dortmund, with the 25-year-old featuring in every Bundealiga game so far this season.
Liam Power
