PSG Manager Reveals Failed Bid for Mesut Ozil

Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has revealed that the French Champions were in talks with Real Madrid for the signature of Mesut Ozil this summer before his transfer to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old completed a record £42.5m move to Arsenal on deadline day making him the second costliest player in the Premier League and the most valuable German across Europe. The former Madrid set the ground running as early as the 10<sup>th minute on his debut after he slid in an inch perfect pass for Olivier Giroud who finished with aplomb.

However, Blanc denied that the club were in negotiations with Chelsea for Juan Mata who was also linked with a move to France. The news will come as a major boost for Arsenal fans who will be happy to know that the Gunners have the capacity to fend off major players in the market to secure top quality talent.

"Both of them would have done us good. The only attempt made, as far as I know, was for Ozil," Blanc said.

PSG have made a major splurge this summer, spending close to £100m for the signature of Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, Roma defender Marquinhos and Lille full-back Lucas Digne. Blanc also revealed that Mamadou Sakho's transfer to Liverpool was due to the player being desperate for more first team action with the world cup arriving next year.

"In the off-season we signed Marquinhos, who plays in the same position. There were five central defenders for two places, so there was one too many. I said it to him. Initially, Mamadou accepted the competition. But we're in a World Cup year, and I know what that can produce in a player. He wanted to leave PSG to have more game time. He made a choice. He chose a very big club in Liverpool. I wish him the best," Blanc explained.

Blanc will face his first real test after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti this summer when they host big spenders Monaco on Sunday. Monaco are currently top of the table with 13 points, two points ahead of PSG who are in third position.