Spartak Moscow attacking midfielder Jano Ananidze has confirmed to the Russian media he received an offer from Arsenal, but his club kept this from him.
The 26 year old was linked with a move to Arsenal early in his career when he was making a name for himself with the Russian Super League club.
Speaking to Championat, Ananidze was asked about interest from other clubs throughout his time at Spartak: “There’s been Interest from other countries. I recently found out that an offer came from Arsenal, but they didn’t even tell me about it. But from those requests that are known, I will highlight Valencia. But Spartak decided that I did not leave. Yes, and in 18-19 I decided that I did not want to leave.”
Ananidze didn’t reveal when this offer was tabled by Arsenal, but he was linked with the Premier League club in 2009. Then 17 years of age, the Georgia international was dubbed the ‘New Georgi Kinkladze’ but at the time Spartak wanted to keep hold of him, despite the attention from the North London side.
It was claimed Liverpool were also taking an interest in the player, along with Sevilla, Juventus and AC Milan.
The attacker has since gone on to play over 100 league appearances for the Russian side and has also had a loan spell with Rostov.
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