Arsene Wenger held talks with Real Madrid while still in charge of Arsenal, claims former Paris Saint-Germain president Charles Villeneuve, with the Frenchman now being tipped for a role in his homeland.
A man who spent 22 years in charge of the Gunners has never made any secret of the fact that he was targeted by La Liga giants during his reign in north London.
It has now been revealed that he went as far as holding discussions with Madrid as they endeavoured to lure him away from the Premier League.
No deal was done, though, and Wenger only severed ties with Arsenal over the summer as those in north London sought to welcome in a new era after more than two decades of stability in the dugout.
“One was Bayern Munich, because he speaks four different languages.
“I also went to a gymnasium in Italy to attend negotiations with Real Madrid, but he stayed at Arsenal.”
Villeneuve was a journalist prior to filling a presidential role at PSG between May 2008 and January 2009.
He has always been a fan of Wenger and believes he would be a shrewd appointment for those at Parc des Princes.
It is unclear what role the 69-year-old could fill in the French capital, though, with there still a desire on his part to return to coaching after being linked with posts at Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
Villeneuve added on a possible homecoming at PSG: “I think he'd offer great services, but not as president.
“The current president Nasser Al-Khelaifi does his job well, but great clubs are made through great leaders.
“A club isn't only made by great players, so I'd welcome Wenger's arrival at PSG.
“The leaders there love Wenger a lot, but he never wanted to go.
“He is monogamous and his club is Arsenal.”
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