Nikola Zigic insists he was on Arsenal’s list of potential summer signings, before they settled on Danny Welbeck.
After completing a £30million deal for Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez, Arsene Wenger appeared to have locked his chequebook away as far as attacking reinforcements were concerned. However, an injury to Olivier Giroud, which is set to rule the Frenchman out until the New Year, made it clear that the Gunners would need reinforcements.
Even so, it was something of a surprise to hear that Zigic was amongst their targets. The 33-year-old spend four years at Birmingham City without ever setting the world alight, and he is currently a free agent after being released at the end of last season. And despite what some think, the 6ft 7in frontman insists he was under consideration by Wenger.
“Everything that you saw in the press was true,” he told IBTimes UK. “My agent was talking with Arsenal but they finally opted for another player. We talked with them until the last few days of the market. I am very happy because Arsenal had me on their list. I would have liked it. Big teams always consider several alternatives before signing one.”
Wenger instead paid £16million for Manchester United’s Welbeck, who had fallen to fifth choice at Old Trafford, behind Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, and youngster James Wilson. At the Emirates Stadium, he will now hope to be given a central striker role. Just like at his former club, the 23-year-old know there will be competition for places at Arsenal, but he has assured fans he will always give his best for the cause.
“There is definitely competition and I think once you come to a big club, there is always going to be competition,” he told the official club website. “I just want them (Arsenal fans) to know that I will give 100% in every single game. I play with my heart on my sleeve and I am always going to give my best. I will try to give them so many happy days in the coming future.”
Arsenal fans – come on, do you really think Zigic was a genuine target for Wenger? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below!
