Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he was close to signing Eden Hazard from Lille before the Belgian eventually opted for Chelsea.
The Gunners boss claimed that he had Hazard's agent discussing the deal at his home, but the Stamford Bridge outfit's superior financial clout ensured that the World Cup-bound midfielder would sign for the Blues instead.
When asked by beIN Sports about whether he was previously interested in the 23-year-old, Wenger replied: "Yes, I wanted to take him.
"I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn't make.
"He can be one of the players who grows into the Messi, Ronaldo stature if he continues to develop well."
Hazard won the PFA Young Player of the Year after being nominated for the full award, taken by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
