Arsenal transfer target Loic Perrin wanted Emirates move in January window after 'serious' talks with Gunners

Loic Perrin was targeted by Arsenal

St Etienne defender Loic Perrin admits he wanted to move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, following 'serious' talks with the Gunners.

Arsenal made two signings over the last month, bringing in youngster Krystian Bielik and Gabriel Paulista - who Arsene Wenger opted for over Perrin.

But the 29-year-old admitted he would have had no intention of turning down a move to the Emirates had talks progressed to an offer.

'There were serious contacts via my agent. I think I was on a shortlist but not at the very top apparently,' Perrin said.

'A transfer in this window, it is difficult. But it is difficult to refuse Arsenal. I have always said that if I have to leave St Étienne, one day, it would be for a bigger club, a club that plays Champions League.

'A club like Arsenal, I don't think many Ligue 1 players would refuse.'