Whilst being unveiled as a Newcastle player, Florian Thauvin told reporters that he was once approached by Arsene Wenger to join Arsenal. He said of the situation:
“Two or Three seasons ago, Arsene Wenger perhaps made an approach with Arsenal”. The comment suggests that Wenger made an approach and this isn’t the most surprising development as the long-time Gunners manager once called him the beacon of hope for French football.
Thauvin joined Newcastle for a fee of around £15 million recently and there are high hopes for the player who has been on the fringes of the France national team for some time now.
The approach from Arsenal will have been hard to turn down as they have such a good record with young players, but at Newcastle the former Marseille man should have room to grow as they are building a new squad and persevering with youngsters.
Steve McClaren will be glad Thauvin turned down Arsenal all those years ago as Thauvin is a player with the potential to bring new hopes to the loyal Newcastle fanbase.
