Spartak Moscow midfielder Jano Ananidze has revealed that Arsenal have previously attempted to sign him.
The Gunners were in the market for a midfielder last month and eventually struck a deal with Barcelona for Denis Suarez on an initial loan move.
Talks between Arsenal and Barcelona dragged on for most of the window, though, and Ananidze emerged as a possible back-up option for Unai Emery.
Ananidze, who has linked up with fellow Russian Premier League side Krylya Sovetov on loan, told Championat: "There's been interest in me from other countries.
"I recently found out that an offer came from Arsenal, but they didn't even tell me about it. But from those requests that are known, I will highlight Valencia, then they were a top team.
"But Spartak decided that I did not leave. Yes, and in 18/19 I decided that I did not want to leave."
Since making his breakthrough with Spartak in 2009, Ananidze has racked up close to 250 top-flight appearances.
Daniel Lewis
