Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Talks Pep Guardiola and More in Presser

Arsene Wenger has claimed he once had the chance to sign Pep Guardiola for Arsenal back in the Bayern Munich manager's playing days. Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the Gunners' UEFA Champions League return meeting with Guardiola's Munich on Wednesday, Wenger also praised in-form playmaker Mesut Ozil and even reaffirmed his faith in struggling defender Mathieu Debuchy. 

The latter is significant from the manager, with Wenger confirming rising star Hector Bellerin will miss the game in Munich.

Addressing his opposite number first, Wenger revealed how he once met with Guardiola, who was keen on a switch to north London, about a potential transfer, according to the London Evening Standard's James Olley:

At the time, Guardiola was a central figure for La Liga giants Barcelona. As a classy midfield pass-master, he would certainly have fit the way Wenger has instructed Arsenal to play ever since he took over as manager in late 1996.

It's the same philosophy of attractive and expansive football Guardiola has championed as a manager. Wenger is almost like the elder statesman of football's dugout purists.

The 66-year-old got the better of Guardiola in Arsenal's 2-0 Group F win at the Emirates Stadium. It was a result that breathed life into a stalled Champions League campaign that saw the Gunners own no points after two games.

But even after beating the mighty Bayern, Arsenal remain on the brink. Still, Wenger is refusing to allow for the possibility of failing to qualify for the knockout stages. He's not even thinking about the prospect of UEFA Europa League football, according to Olley:

Avoiding Europe's second-tier tournament demands getting something from the game in Munich. But, as Olley details, that task has gotten tougher now Bellerin has been ruled out by the Gunners chief:

No Bellerin means recalling ex-Newcastle United right-back Debuchy into action. It's a potential nightmare for Arsenal, given his recent form.

He was torn apart during the Gunners' shock 3-0 collapse against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup. Writing for ESPNFC, Arseblog founder Andrew Mangan offered this indictment of the unsettled 30-year-old: "He has complained about the fact he's not playing regularly at Arsenal these days. If he keeps this up he'll certainly get regular football, just not for this team."

Debuchy should expect to be under serious pressure at the Allianz Arena. Yet, it's pressure Wenger is convinced he'll handle, per the club's official Twitter feed:

One player the manager can certainly feel confident about is Ozil. The mercurial schemer is currently on a terrific run. He's unlocking defences for fun and finally looking worth the £42.4 million the Gunners paid in 2013.

Wenger believes international success has boosted Ozil's attitude and swagger on the pitch:

Arsenal will need Ozil at his best in Munich. Chances are likely to be rare against one of the few teams capable of passing the ball with more assurance than the Gunners. A counter-attacking approach worked wonders in the first meeting.

But striking on the break demands players who can make the most out of limited touches. With his flair for playing between the lines and threading through passes, Ozil is vital to Arsenal's chances.

As for those chances, Wenger is not daunted by the challenge of overcoming Guardiola's slick side on German soil. He's stressed his players won't be intimidated and will instead assert themselves in forward areas:

Arsenal must be bold in Munich. At least a point is needed to keep qualification hopes alive. Having won at this venue in 2013, Wenger knows the blueprint for success.

If he can outwit the man he once tried to sign for a third time, the result will be a statement from the Gunners, as well as a huge confidence boost across all competitions for the remainder of the season.