Moroccan winger Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez has revealed that he was close to signing for Premier League giants Arsenal in 2011, but picked up an unfortunate injury which scuppered his dream move, according to a report on Sport Witness.
The winger, who now plays for Greek side Olympiacos, was remembering the times when he was one of the most sought after talents in European football alongside Belgian star Eden Hazard.
In 2011, Gonzalez had already picked up one cap for Belgium and at the age of 22, had high hopes of his future.
Arsenal were leading the chase for his signature and he had to decide whether to choose Belgium or Morocco as his International team.
He said: “In 2011, that was the time when I was hesitating between Belgium and Morocco. I’d received quite a few offers from Arsenal, Marseille and Benfica.”
“Negotiations were underway, then the accident happened.”
The promising winger was unfortunately injured when he caught a boot to the face which resulted in him having several bones fractured in his face.
Gonzalez eventually joined Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and has gone on to play for Portuguese giants Benfica and Spanish La Liga side Granada, and has appeared for Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League this season.
