Arsene Wenger was recently quizzed about Romelu Lukaku, and admitted that he was looking at signing the Everton striker before his switch to Chelsea back in 2011, as reported by the Metro.
The Belgian has been steadily improving ever since he arrived in the Premier League, and this season he has been one of the best strikers in the English top flight.
He was mysteriously let go by Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho allowing him to join Everton, but before he even made the switch to the London club from Anderlecht he was being monitored by Wenger.
“Yes [we looked at him] since he was young. He opted to go to Chelsea, he is developing every year,” Wenger said.
“His finishing is better, his technical is better. He has better numbers.”
The 66-year-old is often criticised for his activity – or lack thereof – in the transfer market, and a striker is certainly needed at Arsenal. Lukaku would unquestionably have been a phenomenal signing, and with the creative players behind him he’d more than likely score even more than he does as the main man at Everton.
Arsenal will be facing up against Everton and Lukaku this weekend, and Wenger will be hoping he’s not given another reason to regret not signing the 22-year-old all those years ago.
The Gunners have really struggled in 2016, and having stumbled on all fronts now look set to finish the season with no silverware whatsoever. The Premier League is now their last chance, and with Tottenham and Leicester some way ahead of them even that looks out of their grasp.
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Wenger really must get a win if he’s to have any hope of even staying in the title race, and against an Everton side that pose a real goal threat victory is anything but guaranteed.