Arsenal lost out on full-back Djibril Sidibe because he had already given his word to Monaco and did not want to break it.

The principality outfit were working hard on a deal to sign Sidibe from fellow Ligue 1 side Lille, holding off interest from Sunderland and Southampton, and were closing in on their man.
 



But Arsene Wenger steered Arsenal into the race, making Sidibe a priority target, and a wage offer was even put to the defender by the Premier League giants.

However, as Sidibe's move to Monaco was already a long way down the line, Arsenal failed.
 


According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Sidibe had already given Monaco his word after talks with the club and was not willing to break it, despite Arsenal's late interest.

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Monaco have signed Sidibe on a five-year contract and have ended up paying Lille €16m, plus sending Rony Lopes on loan the other way.

Sidibe played in 37 of Lille's 38 Ligue 1 games last season and has established a reputation for himself as a consistent performer.

Gunners boss Wenger wanted to add the full-back, who mainly operates as a left-back but can play right-back, to bolster his defensive options.