Arsene Wenger reveals how he held secret meeting in hopes of signing Eden Hazard

Manager says how he wanted Hazard but couldn't match Chelsea's funds

Arsene Wenger tried to sign Eden Hazard (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger has revealed how he held a secret meeting that nearly lead to signing Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

The Arsenal manager told BeIN Sports how he met with Hazard’s agent at his home but couldn’t compete with the finical power that Chelsea were offering.

Wenger said: “Yes, I wanted to take him, I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn’t make.”

Chelsea signed the winger from Lille for a reported price of £32million, a fee Wenger didn’t have the funds to match.

The Belgian star was named PFA Young Player of the Year this season and has been in the PFA Team of the Year for the last two campaigns.

Hazard was also hailed by Jose Mourinho as the best young player in the world earlier this season.

Wenger went on to say: “He can be one of the players who grows into the Messi, Ronaldo stature if he continues to develop well.”