Arsene Wenger: Arsenal Were Interested in Paul Pogba Before Juventus Swooped in for Him

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he wanted to sign Paul Pogba when he was at Manchester United but his move to Juventus happened too quickly for him to react.

The Frenchman has established himself as among the best midfielders in the world following the move to Italy and Wenger is crestfallen at the thought of not being able to make a move for him.

Pogba's valuation in the current market will be well above Arsenal's reach given that clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, with better resources have made their interest known for the midfielder. United were also reported to be contemplating on bringing him back but have yet to make any formal approach to Juventus regarding a move.

"We were interested by Pogba when he was at Manchester. We tried to get him, but it was complicated. I was surprised to see Manchester let him go. We did not have the right to contact him," Wenger told Bein Sport.

The Frenchman also talked about the scenario unfolding around Abou Diaby, who was supposed to don the midfield anchor role following his much anticipated return from injury. The French international is yet to start a single game for over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last season and is reported to be out again with a hamstring pull.

"Diaby hasn't a mental problem, but a problem of injury. He is a player for whom I have great respect," Wenger stated.

"Whenever he returns, he is injured and goes from zero. He was destroyed by a bad tackle. The soccer player needs the mobility of his ankle. When your ankle mobility is restricted, you compensate with something else.

"He suffered from a very bad tackle in Sunderland six or seven years ago. A tackle murderer who was never punished. It has restricted the mobility of the ankle.

"If he comes back, I'll keep him. I always believed in him. In football, the most important thing is health," he concluded.