Rennes president Olivier Letang has spoken of missing out on former Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.
The veteran left the Gunners last month for Bordeaux, though Rennes were also keen.
Letang told TVR: "We left the signing at some point.
"We took a step back as Laurent was 34 years old and would sign a five-year contract for Bordeaux.
"We did not want to make such a long commitment for the club."