Monday, 16th September, 2013
Arsenal moved to try and land Lazio midfielder Hernanes before capturing Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
The Gunners' capture of Ozil from Los Blancos, in the process smashing their club-record transfer fee by paying €50m for the Germany international, sent shockwaves through world football, not least at the Bernabeu where several players expressed disbelief.
But Arsene Wenger might not have ended up presenting Ozil to the Gunners' faithful had Lazio played ball.
Indeed, according to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, Lazio fielded an offer from Arsenal for Brazilian midfielder Hernanes.
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While the nature of Arsenal's bid for the 28-year-old remains unknown, Lazio opted to reject it, sending the Gunners heading to the Spanish capital.
Hernanes had been linked with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, but Lazio were determined to hold onto the midfielder, who remains a vital part of the club's plans.
Arsenal will not be too disappointed at having missed out on the schemer however, due to their successful capture of Ozil.
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