Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he wanted to sign Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff last summer.

Gourcuff's injury problems, however, scuppered his plans.

"I was interested in Yoann Gourcuff because at one time he was available," Wenger revealed to Eurosport. "Unfortunately, we were in a hurry. We had to have players performing soon.

"He was at that time about to have surgery. The timing was not good for us. But I had learned of his medical condition.

"Unfortunately, we were in doubt because it was not certain if Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas would leave."