Wenger reveals why he rejected signing Guardiola for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has revealed the story of his decision to not sign Pep Guardiola during his time in charge of Arsenal.

After starring in defensive midfield for Barcelona throughout his career, Guardiola left in 2001 to prolong his days on the pitch. He played for Brescia, Roma, Al-Ahli, and finally Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico before retiring five years later.

A move to Arsenal, however, was one of great interest to the now-Manchester City coach. In fact, he paid a visit to Wenger’s home in London to discuss a move that ultimately never materialized.

Now Wenger has revealed that he already had Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva in his ranks at the time. Therefore, he had to turn Guardiola down over a potential link-up.

The former Gunners boss told The Times: “When Guardiola was still a player, he came to my home to ask to play for Arsenal.

“At the time I had Vieira, I had Gilberto Silva. I couldn’t take him.”

Arsène Wenger

"When Guardiola was still a player, he came to my home to ask to play for Arsenal. At the time I had Patrick Vieira, I had Gilberto Silva. I couldn’t take him." pic.twitter.com/MLKt06XPOG

— ARSENAL (@tomgunner14) October 2, 2020

Guardiola himself has confirmed this story on several occasions in the past. Especially in the build-ups to clashes with Wenger, when the Frenchman was still in charge of Arsenal until 2018.

“I would have liked to have played for him,” admitted Pep in 2018.

“I called him to make an interview and he invited me to his home, he was so kind.

“I said my dream is to play in the Premier League and I would like to play with you and I feel I can help you. Maybe it was a little bit arrogant but he had his squad and he said there was no space.

“I understand completely but I would have liked to have played with him. It was not possible, so no problem at all.”