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Zigic confirms Arsenal approach

Nicola Zigic has confirmed that Arsenal did approach him during the final days of the summer transfer window, despite Arsene Wenger dismissing reports linking him with a move for the striker.

Nikola Zigic is currently a free agent after leaving Birmingham © PA Photos

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Zigic, 33, is currently a free agent after his Birmingham contract expired in July and speculation emerged in the striker's homeland of Serbia in the final days before the transfer deadline that his agent was involved in negotiations with Wenger over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

With Olivier Giroud sidelined until the new year with a broken tibia, Wenger identified a number of striking options to fill the void and eventually decided to stump up £16 million to secure the services of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United.

"Everything that you saw in the press was true," Zigic told the International Business Times UK. "My agent was talking with Arsenal but they finally opted for another player [Welbeck]."

"We talked with them until the last days of the market. I am very happy because Arsenal had me on their list. I would have liked it [to join them] but big teams always consider several alternatives [before signing one]."

Zigic played an influential role for Birmingham last season - starting the comeback for the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers on the final day of the campaign that assured their survival - and has has refused to rule out a move to Arsenal in the long term.

"I do not rule anything in the future," he added. "I am still looking at options. We're talking to several clubs and I think we will make a decision soon."

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