Arsenal were convinced they had a deal for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels in August, it has been revealed.
The Mail on Sunday says Hummels has been identified as the No 1 target for the Gunners during the next transfer window.
Arsenal thought they had won the race for Hummels before the August window closed.
But just when a deal seemed to be going through, Dortmund made Hummels their captain and the player opted to stay. It is also believed that offers for Hummels had not exceeded £25m.
BVB are demanding £32m to sell their club captain.
