Monaco winger reveals why he rejected Arsenal move

Joe Williams

Allan Saint-Maximin: He rejected Arsenal in 2014

Monaco winger Allan Saint-Maximin has explained why he turned down the chance to join Arsenal in 2014.

Saint-Maximin was once considered one of France’s finest young talents, but his career has perhaps not followed the path he had planned.

The winger broke through at Saint-Etienne in 2013, and attracted the attention of a number of leading European clubs.

Arsenal were among those interested in signing him in 2014, but the 19-year-old opted to stay for one more year.

He joined Monaco in 2015, but has yet to play for the Ligue 1 club, having been loaned out first to Hannover, while he is now at Bastia.

“Saint-Etienne promised me game time, but I was also a year off my deal coming to an end,” Saint-Maximin told France Football, explaining why he turned down the Gunners.

“Despite my situation, I still had a lot of big clubs, including Arsenal, who wanted me.

“I owed Saint-Etienne something, and I was also proud to impose myself in the club that developed me. Therefore I signed a new deal.”