• Premier League

Wenger 'held talks' with Anderlecht defender

ESPN staff
September 7, 2012
Cheikhou Kouyate claims he was in discussions with Arsene Wenger © PA Photos
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Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate has revealed he held talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger during the summer.

Senegalese centre-back Kouyate, 22, shone at the heart of the Anderlecht defence last season as they earned a place in the Champions League.

And he says that the chance to play in Europe's premier club competition convinced him to snub Arsenal's approaches.

"The fans of Anderlecht asked me to stay for the club and they showed me their appreciation," Kouyate said.

"Qualifying for the Champions League was also very important for me, because without that I think I should have been in London where I had a good contact with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. "

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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