Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits making a 'huge mistake' in not signing Gareth Bale from Southampton

The Southampton youngster eventually moved to Tottenham

Gareth Bale has three years left on his contract at Tottenham (Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger had admitted his failure to sign Gareth Bale earlier in the Welshman's career was a “huge mistake”.

The Arsenal boss had been tracking the then Southampton player during the time that the Gunners were scouting Theo Walcott.

But while Walcott made the switch to Arsenal, Wenger opted against making a move for Bale, deciding he had enough cover in the position the Welshman was playing at the time.

Eventually, Bale would move to rivals Tottenham and after a difficult start at White Hart Lane, has flourished into one of the most coveted players in the world.

"We didn't take him as we had Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy and didn't want another left-back," explained Wenger to the Sun.

"I must confess it was a huge mistake as he can play in midfield. He struggled at the start at Tottenham, then they moved him to midfield and he has done exceptionally well.

"The career of a player sometimes depends on playing in the right position."