French defender Djibril Sidibe has claimed that he turned down a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The three-time France international left Lille for AS Monaco in July, but has explained that he was forced to reject a late move to the Gunners due to uncertainty over his playing time at the Emirates Stadium.
"I was on the brink [of joining Monaco] and [Arsenal] gave me a headache by making a bid at the last moment," he told Le Parisien. "After reflecting on it, I was not certain my playing time would be guaranteed.
"I would have played maybe 25 games this season, including the cups. They also wanted to use me on the left whereas I want to establish myself on the right. I chose to stay in Ligue 1 and then leave for the Premier League next year because it is a competition that greatly appeals to me."
The 24-year-old, who started his professional career with Troyes, has scored once in seven appearances for Monaco this season.
Matt Law
