Monaco Youngster Reveals Reason Why He Rejected Arsenal Move

Monaco winger Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed he rejected the chance to play for Arsenal because he wanted to remain at Saint-Etienne.

The winger was linked with a move away from Saint-Etienne in 2014 with reports of interest from various clubs in Europe but chose to stay with his former side before his eventual move in 2015.

Speaking about his decision to remain at Saint Etienne despite interest from most top clubs in Europe, with Arsenal being one of the favorites to snatch his signature.

“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.”

The 19-year-old has not been able to break into the squad at Monaco and was shipped on loan to Hanover, and has not even featured in a Ligue 1 game; Arsenal are known for their interest in developing young players and have done well to promote quite a number of bright youngsters through their ranks.