Barcelona's on loan midfielder Ibrahim Afellay says Arsenal were interested in his services during his days at PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutch midfielder joined the Catalan giants during the January transfer window in 2011 from PSV, but has since played a peripheral role in an all-star midfield.

Afellay joined Schalke on a season-long loan in the summer, and faces up against an Arsenal side who attempted to sign him during his days in the Eredivisie, and the 26 year old admits he won't be out for revenge during tonight's Champions League meeting between the two sides.

Ibrahim Afellay
Afellay says he is not out for revenge against Arsenal.

"Arsenal were interested in me in the last few years at PSV and Barcelona," Afellay admits. "But, finally, it was not possible to close the subject.

"I believe that money was the difference between the clubs.

"This match is not personal revenge for me," he added. "I do not need to demonstrate anything against Arsenal. But our objective is to leave London without defeat.

"The scouts of Wenger have always liked my work but have never made the decisive move. But this is not a trauma for me."

The Netherlands international failed to make an impression during his two-and-a-half-year stint at Barca, with a chronic knee injury which kept him out for much of last season indicative of his progress at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal's midfield has been torn apart in recent years following the departures of Alax Song, Cesc Fabreagas and Samir Nasri, with Arsene Wenger now more prone to signing established professionals, in the form of Spanish pair Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta, rather than relying on the club's fruitful youth system to come up trumps once again.

Wenger will soon be able to welcome back Jack Wilshere after 14 months out with an ankle problem, a return which has suffered numerous set back and several bouts of surgery.

The early season form of The Gunners' midfield had enhanced their hopes of competing with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and European champions Chelsea domestically, but having already fallen 10 points behind appear likely to be fighting for fourth in the Premier League.

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