Arsene Wenger: We tried to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United before he joined Juventus

Arsene Wenger was interested in signing Paul Pogba before he signed for Juventus

Arsene Wenger has revealed how Arsenal had failed to get Paul Pogba from rivals Manchester United in 2012. Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer because he was not geting enough play time at the Manchester club.

The 21-year-old has seen his stock rise playing for Juventus, and recently signed a new contract which was a big blow to almost all the major English clubs including the likes of United, Chelsea and Manchester City in the process. The Arsenal manager spoke to beIN Sports, about his attempts to strike a deal to bring the midfielder to the Emirates stadium when he was looking to leave Manchester United.

Pogba can win Ballon d’Or

Wenger said: “As a footballer, he (Pogba) has everything. It is difficult to figure out what he doesn't have. He has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or. We were interested by Pogba when he was at Manchester. We tried to get him, but it was complicated. Things happened very quickly. We were interested in him. We tried to get him to come here. But he very quickly signed for Juventus.”

He added, "I was surprised to see Manchester let him go. We did not have the right to contact him."

The Gunners are looking to get a midfielder in the January transfer, although it will be difficult for them to get anyone of Pogba's potential.