Arsenal 'turned down chance to sign Thiago Alcantara before Liverpool move'

Bayern Munich reportedly made contact with Arsenal over the future of Thiago Alcantara before his transfer to Liverpool.

Earlier this week, the Premier League champions confirmed that they had won the race to sign the Spaniard, who had less than a year left on his contract at the Allianz Arena.

However, according to The Athletic, Bayern made Thiago's availability known to a number of clubs before he completed a switch to Anfield.

The report claims that the Gunners had the opportunity to make an approach for the playmaker, only for them to decide against a bid.

While Arsenal are currently in the market for a creative midfielder, Thiago turning 30 years of age next year would have counted against him.

Given their restricted transfer budget, Mikel Arteta is likely to have been against spending in excess of £25m on a player of that experience.