Emery reveals Arsenal nearly signed Fabinho

Unai Emery has revealed that Liverpool stalwart Fabinho could have been lining up for the Gunners if things had gone differently in London.

As reported by the London Evening Standard, the Spaniard confirms that Fabinho was a transfer target for the Gunners upon his arrival at the club.

For example, in France I loved Fabinho a lot. He was in Monaco and I wanted to sign for PSG. When I arrived here, also his name was on the table to achieve to sign him, but he signed for Liverpool.

The Brazilian had been impressing for Monaco in Ligue 1 but opted to join Liverpool – where he is now a key member of their midfield.

Read Arsenal verdict

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Something the Gunners have seriously lacked in recent years is a true defensive midfielder.

Fabinho would have been everything they needed and more. You only have to look at the impact that he is having on Liverpool’s midfield this season and last to see how crucial he is to their team.

The Gunners have so much attacking talent and flair going forward, but often lack the necessary protection behind them.

Averaging 2.3 tackles a game for the Reds in the Premier League, he would give the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a much bigger platform to flourish.

One player alone wouldn’t be enough to make the Gunners title contenders, but you’d have to think his addition would all-but squash any worries about missing out on the top four.