Report: Senior Arsenal figures really wanted £20m star who’s since joined Spurs

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Arsenal were reportedly keeping tabs on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Athletic.

During the summer, the Gunners midfield was in need of bolstering, with Thomas Partey arriving at the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day.

Hojbjerg, meanwhile, joined Spurs from Southampton in August for a reported £20million fee.

While the Dane’s debut against Everton didn’t quite go to plan, he’s since become one of the first names on Jose Mourinho’s team sheet.

With the North London derby coming up, The Athletic has reported that Hojbjerg was the subject of Arsenal interest while at Southampton.

Not only had the Gunners sent scouts to watch him in action, but some senior figures at the club were “particularly keen” on the 25-year-old.

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Hojbjerg has proven to be a superb signing for Spurs, his efforts contributing to the North Londoners going top of the table.

It’s interesting to hear that there were some senior figures at Arsenal who apparently wanted him, but did this purported interest lead to anything more concrete?

That said, given the choice, the majority of Arsenal fans would’ve nonetheless picked Partey over Hojbjerg any day – but was there ever a chance where both could have joined the Gunners?