Monaco right-back Djibril Sidibe has revealed Arsenal made a late bid for his services in the summer but decided against a move to Emirates after being unsure over his potential game time, as reported by theDaily Mail.
The 24-year-old instead pushed through on a move to the Stade Louis II in July after impressing with former side Lille, where he made a name for himself during his four successful years there.
The France international, who has fourcaps to his name, has started five of Monaco's eight Ligue 1 matches and playing regularly was behind his decision in choosing Monaco over Arsenal.
"I was on the brink (of signing for Monaco) and (Arsenal) gave me a headache by making a bid at the last moment," he told Le Parisien on Monday.
"After reflecting on it, I was not certain my playing time would be guaranteed.
"I would have played maybe 25 games this season, including the cups. They also wanted to use me on the left whereas I want to establish myself on the right.
"I chose to stay in Ligue 1 and then leave for the Premier League next year because it is a competition that greatly appeals to me."
Sidibe played the full ninety minutes in France's 4-1 win over Bulgarialast Friday and put in an impressive shift forDidier Deschamps' men in the 1-0 win againstthe Netherlands in their World Cup Qualifier on Monday.