Arsenal transfer news: France defender Djibril Sidibe reveals he turned down Arsene Wenger in summer

Sidibe opted to join fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco instead

Sidibe is targeting a Premier League move this summer (Getty Images)

France defender Djibril Sidibe has revealed he rejected Arsenal during the summer transfer window as he feared he would not play regularly for Arsene Wenger’s side.

Sidibe was on standby for France’s Euro 2016 squad before making his full international debut for the senior side in September.

The 24-year-old defender left Lille for fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco in July but admitted his move was disrupted at the last moment when the Gunners decided to make a late bid for his services.

However, he decided to turn down the move after having reservations not only about his time on the field, but also what position he would be deployed in by Wenger.

As a result he signed a five-year deal with Monaco but has kept Arsenal on red alert after revealing he is targeting a move to the Premier League next season.

"I was on the brink (of signing for Monaco) and (Arsenal) gave me a headache by making a bid at the last moment," he told Le Parisien on Monday.

"After reflecting on it, I was not certain my playing time would be guaranteed.

Sidibe said Wenger wanted to play him as a left back (Getty Images)

"I would have played maybe 25 games this season, including the cups. They also wanted to use me on the left whereas I want to establish myself on the right.

"I chose to stay in Ligue 1 and then leave for the Premier League next year because it is a competition that greatly appeals to me."

Sidibe has started five of Monaco's eight Ligue 1 games this season and scored after two minutes in the 4-1 win away to his former club. He has also featured five times in the Champions League.

PA.