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Benayoun snubbed Liverpool for Gunners

Yossi Benayoun left Liverpool for Chelsea in 2010 © Getty Images

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Yossi Benayoun has revealed he held talks with Liverpool before joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea.

Benayoun, 31, completed his temporary move from Chelsea to London rivals Arsenal on transfer deadline, agreeing a deal that will keep him at Emirates Stadium for the duration of the 2011-12 after seeing his playing time restricted at Stamford Bridge.

The Israel international signed for the Blues from Liverpool in 2010 for £5 million after spending two years at Anfield, but he made just one Premier League start for Chelsea last campaign.

Of his late move to Arsenal, he said: "The media thought it was dramatic, but I knew it would go to the last day. There was an agreement between me and Chelsea that we would wait until then because they wanted to bring in another player - either [Raul] Meireles or [Luka] Modric.

"I first heard about the interest from Arsenal eight days before the end of the window and when I knew they wanted me it was an easy choice. I had a few good options from clubs in England and outside. There was a few talks with Liverpool. A few teams but as soon as I heard about Arsenal my mind was made up.

"Deadline day was calm for me. I flew in from Israel in the morning, from the national team, and knew it was going to happen."

Benayoun made his first start for Arsenal in their 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, and the midfielder is hopeful of building on the display for this weekend's trip to Blackburn.

He said: "I think it was a good start for us in the competition. We were unlucky because they scored a lovely goal at the end, but we need to be happy with the point.

"We had a good performance and hopefully we can take confidence from this and build for Blackburn. I want to improve my understanding with the team but I think there's plenty of quality in this team so we'll quickly understand each other and be better."

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