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Kalou: I almost joined Arsenal

ESPN staff
March 23, 2014
Salomon Kalou joined Lille after winning seven major honours with Chelsea © Getty Images
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Lille forward Salomon Kalou has revealed he came close to a loan move to Arsenal in January.

Kalou, who left England after helping Chelsea to the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012, has repeatedly been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent times.

The 28-year-old has now revealed he came close to a loan switch to north London during the winter transfer window - when Arsenal ended up securing a temporary deal for Kim Kallstrom - but ultimately opted to see out the campaign in Ligue 1.

"A loan deal could have been done at the last minute," the Ivory Coast international told L'Equipe.

"However, I want to finish third [in Ligue 1], prepare for the World Cup and go to the Stade de France to compete in the Coupe de France final."

But it appears he does not expect to stay with his current side beyond the summer.

Asked if he expected this to be his final season with Lille, he said: "I think so, yes. LOSC have given me the chance to play every weekend and have given me a lot professionally and personally [but] there may be other opportunities now to achieve other goals."

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