Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed that he tried to lure Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to Germany on a number of occasions.

The two sides meet in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday, with the Bundesliga outfit currently leading 3-1 following the first match at the Emirates.

Ahead of the clash, Hoeness admitted that he attempted to sign Wenger nearly 20 years ago.

"We did try to get him at Bayern Munich a few times," Hoeness told The Sun. "Even before he went to Japan, Franz Beckenbauer and I went to Nice and discussed with him and everything was clear, but then at the end of the day he decided to go to Japan.

"We were very surprised. From Japan he went to Arsenal and over the years, whenever we were looking for a new coach, Wenger was always one we considered.

"He's a very serious person, very strong and has a very good idea about the game. There have been a few moments where we have discussed his name over the years. He has always remained loyal to Arsenal which is fantastic behaviour. But it is true we wanted him at Bayern a few times."

Wenger took over at Arsenal in 1996.