Arsenal attempted to sign Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff during the summer transfer window, the French club have confirmed.
The 25-year-old was reportedly the man identified by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to replace the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
However, Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed that he had no intention of allowing his £20m signing from Bordeaux to leave the club.
"There was an offer from Arsenal and I said no," said Aulas. "Simply because he has a five-year contract, he wants to succeed here and I believe in him."
Gourcuff scored four goals in 33 appearances last season.
