Spaniard is currently spending the season on loan in Naples.
Napoli goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina has revealed that Arsenal tried to buy him during the summer, before he decided to leave Liverpool for the Serie A outfit instead, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The experienced Spain international eventually left Anfield for Naples on a season-long loan in July after the Merseyside giants had signed Belgium international Simon Mignolet, however, Reina has now admitted that Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger also tried to land him.
“The interest of Arsenal in my services?” Asked Reina ahead of his club’s Uefa Champions League group-stage clash with the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
“Now I think only of Napoli.
“But to come back to England with Napoli against Arsenal in London is special.”
“Arsenal are top of the Premier League but we are second in Serie A – and it looks like developing into a big season for us.
“There is no clear favourite in this game.
“We’re very confident but it’s a tough group and an away point would mean a very positive result for us.”
Reina has been in inspired form between the sticks for the high-flying Serie A outfit since his move to Naples, with the 31-year-old even recently managing to become the first keeper to ever save a Mario Balotelli spot kick as Rafa Benitez’s side moved up to second place in the table in Italy.
And not only that, but Napoli also overcame last season’s Uefa Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund in their opening group-stage fixture in Naples.
All of which sets up a fascinating clash in north London on Tuesday between the two unbeaten teams in the group, with Wenger hoping that Reina does not produce another eye-catching display for the visitors.