Arsenal had made an attempt to sign Axel Witsel earlier in his career, according to the Atlético Madrid player’s father, Thierry Witsel.
The midfielder came up through the ranks of Standard Liège’s academy and made it to their first team in 2006. He spent five years with them before leaving for Benfica in 2011.
Axel Witsel then had spells in Russia and China before returning to Europe, when Borussia Dortmund signed him in 2018. It was during his time with the Jupiler Pro League side that the Gunners tried securing his services.
A deal could have been carried out because of the 33-year-old’s affection towards Arsenal.
Ahead of Atlético’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge later today, Het Belang van Limburg had an opportunity to interview Thierry Witsel and ask him about his son’s journey so far.
“He’s the Columbus of football, isn’t he. It is an atypical course in fiery clubs. What makes me proud is that Axel always had the courage to take on the adventure,” Thierry Witsel said.
“Okay, he earned well, but go to Russia or China, hey. That is not so obvious. Yet every country was an enrichment and he integrated well everywhere. In Lisbon he spoke Portuguese quickly, he understands Russian, tried to learn Chinese, knows German and already speaks Spanish.”
Thierry Witsel was also askedwhether Diego Simeone’s man regrets anything in his career and was made aware of a failed move to Juventus. When responding to this, he revealed Arsenal’s attempt.
“I can name a series, you know. Juventus failed in the last hours of a transfer market, but when he was still playing for Standard, Arsenal knocked on the door. That was his favourite team, but it didn’t come to a deal,” Thierry explained.
“Before that – with the youth – Anderlecht, Ajax and even Real Madrid inquired. Although I wanted Axel to continue playing football close to home in Liège. Regret is not necessary for anything.”
The father of the Atlético midfielder did not detail why Arsenal failed to make the signing happen.
