Cisse confirms Emery wanted to sign him over the summer

Olympiakos defender Pape Abou Cisse has confirmed that Arsenal were among the teams interested in signing him over the summer.

Speaking to Le Quotidien, as cited on Sport Witness, Cisse reveals that Unai Emery was keen to bring him to the Premier League – but an offer was not forthcoming.

Arsenal had not made an offer. The coach was interested, and there were discussions. There were other English clubs: West Ham, Wolverhampton. In France, there was Rennes, Monaco. But hey, I’m still in contract with Olympiakos.

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Cisse made just under 30 appearances for the Greek side last season and was ever-present during their Europa League campaign.

The Senegal international also has Champions League experience under his belt with the Greek side this season – but it looks he’d have been nothing more than a squad player for the Gunners.

This could go some way to explain why an offer never arrived. Keen to strengthen their defence over the summer, they managed to secure a deal for David Luiz from Chelsea, while they also have the likes of Calum Chambers and Rob Holding to provide depth.

Cisse may have been a good option to call upon for Emery, but with William Saliba also signed up ahead of next season, it makes sense that the Gunners decided against a move or they would’ve quickly become overburdened with central defenders.