Wissam Ben Yedder turned down Arsenal to complete Sevilla move

Wissam Ben Yedder turned down Arsenal in order to join Sevilla, according his former manager at Toulouse. Yedder, 25, was linked with moves to the Gunners and West Ham United following an impressive campaign in Ligue 1 last term where he netted 17 goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances.

Sevilla announced on Monday (1 August) they had won the race for the former France Under-21 international who will replace France international Kevin Gameiro, who signed for Atletico Madrid on Saturday (30 July).

According to Toulouse manager Pascal Dupraz, Yedder also had the chance to move to the Premier League but believes he made the right move in opting for Spain.

"He could have gone to Arsenal, who are one of the best," Dupraz told Estadio Deportivo. "But Sevilla are also a big club and I think La Liga is perfect for him, because he is a technical player and very attacking.

"Sevilla have not found a replacement for Gameiro, they have found a better striker. Gameiro is a fantastic player, but Wissam is one of the best I have ever seen."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he is still keen to sign another centre forward before the summer transfer window closes. The Gunners have already failed in their attempts to sign England international Jamie Vardy, who instead opted to sign a new contract with Leicester City.

Alvaro Morata also slipped through their grasp when Real Madrid activated a clause to resign him from Juventus, while the club have also been frustrated in their attempts to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.

The Ligue 1 club revealed this week they rejected Arsenal's offer of €35m (£29.3m, $38.4m) for the 25-year-old striker.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas went on to add he doesn't expect the Premier League side to return with a second offer. Arsenal have not come back [with another offer] and they will not come back," Aulas was quoted as saying by L'Equipe. "