Bolton signing Ream forever grateful to Arsenal's Henry

Bolton Wanderers signing Tim Ream knows he could've been playing for Arsenal.

Ream was recommended to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger by his former New York Red Bulls team-mate and Gunners legend Thierry Henry last summer.

But the 24-year-old plumped for a relegation scrap with Wanderers instead and goes right into the thick of it in today's local derby with Wigan.

Yet he remains grateful to the veteran French striker for the glowing references he gave to Arsenal and other clubs.

The £2.5 million Trotters new boy said: "That's what I was told happened — that Thierry spoke to Arsenal about me. Obviously he has great connections there and at other places too.

"There was an enquiry from Arsenal and I think there might have been an offer put in.

"I think it might have been happening while talks were going on at Bolton too. I played in the Emirates Cup at Arsenal's stadium during the summer and I was aware of their interest.

"It would have been great to go there. But I don't know how much I would have played and that's what I want to do. Of course I'd love to play Champions League one day. As a player you want to be in the top competitions and that's the top one in Europe."