Arsenal's new Spanish teenage signing Ignasi Miquel also attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, it has been revealed.
"Their former player Francis Cagigao contacted us and asked us if we allowed Ignasi to visit their club and facilities.
"We spoke to him while Manchester United, Valencia, Villarreal and Real Madrid were also very interested signing the defender.
"Miquel is convinced that Arsenal will offer him a career, he knows he will have the chance to be played there, whereas at Barcelona it was impossible for him to show himself.
"Maybe in four years he will be able to play for their first team. The fact Wenger took the time to speak to him made the difference, he told him he relies on him and that he has a future at the club."