Arsenal transfer news: Griezmann reveals snub, Chelsea's shock move and more - 29th November 2017 

Antoine Griezmann joins Arsene Wenger's 'almost joined' list

The Arsenal boss has missed out on several top players during his time at North London, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now, Griezmann revealed in his recently released book on how he could have joined the Gunners in 2013.

The Atletico Madrid superstar was scouted by Giles Grimandi and the Frenchman was reportedly keen on working with Wenger. However, he was told on deadline day of 2013 that Wenger has changed his mind, which pissed off the attacker. Griezmann wrote in his book:

“I waited, I waited, and I kept waiting. When there was no news, Eric called Grimandi, who said that the manager was still interested in me [and] to keep waiting. Finally a few hours before the market closed, he let us know Arsenal would not make a move. I don’t like to be told something and for it not to happen.

“So when Eric told me later that the London club were interested again I told him ‘Forget it, after the blow they gave us'”

Instead of Griezmann, Wenger went ahead to buy Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, who turned out to be a fine player but continues to split opinion. On the forwards front, the Gunners bought Yaya Sanogo for free and he currently plays for French club Toulouse.

Now, the Arsenal fans can only wish they had signed the player then as Griezmann will not be coming to the Emirates given the way he was snubbed.

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Chelsea looking to sign Ozil ahead of Manchester United

Conte looking to sign Ozil

So far, Manchester United and Barcelona have emerged as the strongest candidates for Ozil's signature. Ernesto Valverde views the German as an alternative to Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho while United boss, Jose Mourinho, wants a reunion with the player, having worked with him at Real Madrid.

Now, German news outlet, SportBild, reports that Chelsea are interested in the 29-year old. The Blues' boss Antonio Conte is reportedly looking to strengthen his midfield and attack in the upcoming transfer windows and prefers Ozil over Everton's Ross Barkley. The latter almost joined Chelsea in the summer, before the move fell through on deadline day.

There is no doubt that joining either of Manchester United or Chelsea can lead to Ozil hurting Arsenal on the domestic front and the London club would prefer selling to Barcelona if the player indeed wants to leave. Meanwhile, neither of the English clubs can negotiate a pre-contract with the World Cup winner in January, implying they should bid in the upcoming transfer window if they are keen on signing him.

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Sampdoria to bid again for Jack Wilshere

Sampdoria looking to sign Wilshere again

The 25-year old looks to have run out of time at the Emirates as he nears the final six months of his Arsenal contract. Despite being considered as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe a few years back, injuries proved to be Wilshere's biggest nemesis.

The Englishman moved to Bournemouth on a loan deal last season but failed to rediscover his previous form. Finally, this season, his game-time has been primarily limited to the Europa League with Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka ahead in the pecking order. As a result, Italian side Sampdoria are looking to bid once again for the player.

The Serie A side tabled a £7.5 million bid for Wilshere but it was immediately rebuffed by Arsenal. However, with the midfielder not cracking into the first team and the possibility of leaving for free in the summer, Wenger could very well reconsider his stance in January. On the other hand, a move to Sampdoria will offer Wilshere the chance to have a crack at Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.