Ex-Serie A star reveals rejected Arsenal offer: ‘Wenger wanted me’

On Dec 11, 2025

Former Swiss international Gökhan Inler reveals Arsène Wenger wanted to sign him for Arsenal, but Udinese rejected the Gunners’ approach.

Former Udinese midfielder Inler, now manager of the Bianconeri, could have joined Arsenal as a footballer.

The former midfielder revealed the Gunners’ interest during his latest interview with The Italian Football Podcast.

EMPOLI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Gokan Inler of Udinese Calcio attends the Serie A match between Empoli and Udinese at Stadio Carlo Castellani on November 25, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Of course, at that time I had an agent. I didn’t have much information because I was focused on the field. Yes, the rumors were there. Behind the scenes, now I understand what’s going on behind the scenes, but before you don’t know what’s going on,” Inler said.

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“But yes, it’s possible, I read something about it. But I can say this, and many people don’t know this, but in my first year in Udine I received an offer from Arsenal. However, the club said no, Inler is part of our project, so I stayed here for four years.

“Yes, Arsène Wenger wanted me, that’s right. As I said, I didn’t know what was happening, but I was also a Swiss national team player, Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos were Arsenal players. That’s why I saw the coach with the national team, but in the end the club decided to keep me and I spent four great years at Udinese.

Inler won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2015-16 and spoke about his relationship with Jamie Vardy in the same interview.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Former French footballer and coach and current FIFA Head of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger is seen before the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

A former Swiss midfielder, Inler played for Udinese and Napoli in Serie A, scoring 15 goals in 259 appearances in the Italian top flight.

Inler, 41, made his debut for the Swiss team in February 2006 and has scored seven goals in 89 international matches.

Inler was named head of Udinese’s technical area last summer. The 41-year-old made 162 appearances for the Bianconeri as a footballer, scoring nine goals.