Arsenal refused to sign N’Golo Kante because he didn’t ‘have enough’ quality during time in France
Gunners had a scouting mission in place but opted against taking the gamble and signing the Frenchman
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ARSENAL turned down the chance to sign N'Golo Kante because they felt he didn't 'have enough' qualities for their side.
The ex-Leicester midfielder completed a £32million move to Chelsea last summer and is on course to be crowned PFA Player of the Year.
Now regarded as one of the world's best midfielders, Arsenal were scouting Kante whilst he was plying his trade in France's second tier with Caen but opted against making a move.
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And French journalist Julien Laurens, who had the inside scoop on Arsenal's scouting mission of the midfielder, revealed why they pursued other options.
He told BBC 5 Live: "They looked closely. Giles Grimandi the French scout for Arsenal went to see him a lot of they just didn't think he had enough to make it in their team.
"Then it was too late."
As Kante looks set to win back-to-back Premier League titles, Arsenal are struggling to finish in the top four as their season quickly unravels.
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And whilst Arsene Wenger admitted they tried to sign Kante last summer, they refused to match the wages Chelsea were offering and therefore missed out on his signature.
Laurens added: "And they tried to sign him last summer and he decided to go to Chelsea.
"It's a weird one, I don't know why bigger clubs were there when he was at Caen because it was so obvious."