• Premier League

Wenger & Capello wanted to join Barca - Ex-president

ESPN staff
August 2, 2010
Arsene Wenger became Arsenal boss in 1996 © Getty Images
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wanted to take over as Barcelona manager in 2001, according to the Catalan club's former president Joan Gaspart.

Gaspart claims that he had lined up the Frenchman to replace Llorenc Serra Ferrer at the Nou Camp - only to see any prospect of a deal thwarted by the Arsenal hierarchy.

"When I was president, when Serra Ferrer left we negotiated with Arsene Wenger and Fabio Capello to coach Barca," Gaspart told Com Radio.

"I met Wenger in Paris. He wanted to come to Barca but Arsenal didn't let him. The Arsenal chairman ordered him to fulfil his contract. Capello also wanted to come, but they [Roma] didn't let him either."

The revelations will strike fear into the heart of Arsenal fans, as Wenger - who has a reputation for leaving decisions over his future until the 11th hour - currently only has one year remaining on his contract at the club.

Arsenal's stubborn defiance over Wenger has parallels with their current stance on Cesc Fabregas, who has been the subject of interest from Barcelona all summer. Gaspart has urged incumbent president Sandro Rosell to hold showdown talks with the Gunners in order to force a resolution.

"My advice, and that's what I've told him [Rosell], is that this will end by catching the plane to London and sitting down face to face with Wenger," he said. "Not by telephone, not with intermediaries - this has to be resolved with a meeting in person.

"Rosell must not be scared. If he fails, the whole world will understand but no-one will be able to say that he didn't try until the end. This fear that he is going to fail - he shouldn't have it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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