Marouane Fellaini Claims Arsenal Wanted to Sign Him in Summer Transfer Window

Marouane Fellaini refuses to comment on suggestions he was the summer transfer target of Chelsea, but claims he did have the option of Arsenal before signing for Manchester United.

The Belgium international made a £27.5 million move from Everton to Old Trafford on deadline day, but revealed to beIN Sport it could have been a very different scenario.

Sky Sports provides the quotes:

"

I don't want to tell you everything what happened during the transfer. This was done at the last minute.

In a transfer window, there is always a list of players, you never know if it's true or not. But for me, I knew [David Moyes] was interested in me.

Chelsea? No comment. Arsenal? It's true, they were interested, but Manchester United convinced me to sign for them.

"

Arsenal eventually solved their need for a defensive midfielder by re-signing Mathieu Flamini for free, after the Frenchman spent the summer working on his fitness with the Gunners.

So far this season Arsene Wenger will feel he has emerged from the scenario with the better deal. Flamini’s exceptional form has been a major factor in helping Arsenal to the top of the table, losing one league game to date.

By contrast, Fellaini has looked pedestrian in the United midfield, struggling to offer his usual goalscoring threat from a deeper role as Moyes’ men have won only four league fixtures this term.

Flamini is the more suitable fit for Arsenal’s brand of football. He reads play exceptionally well, fills spaces in front of the back four intelligently and has better technical ability than Fellaini.

The United midfielder was always facing a challenge upon leaving Everton, who played a direct style of football that suited his physical, uncompromising game—as well as his towering height.

Moyes must prove his one big summer signing can adopt a more patient, technical brand of football alongside the serene figure of Michael Carrick.

Fellaini also has questions to answer over his defensive contribution, given the ease with which opponents have played through United this season.

Stoke scored twice at the weekend and should have had more, while Southampton and West Brom were also allowed to express themselves at the home of the champions.

United undoubtedly would have felt they got one over on Arsenal when they snared Fellaini, but right now it is the Gunners having the last laugh.