Mikel Arteta has revealed his admiration for Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcántara but refused to confirm whether Arsenal tried to sign him this summer.
Liverpool recently signed Thiago from Bayern Munich in a deal worth up to £25m, and it was later rumoured that Arsenal – along with Manchester United and Chelsea – wanted to bring in the Spain international before the deal was done.
The Gunners defeated Jürgen Klopp’s side on penalties to lift the Community Shield at the start of the season and now face them twice in quick succession as they lock horns in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup fourth round following Wednesday’s win over Leicester.