Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp both had doubts about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's character whilst the Arsenal striker was at Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.
According to The Athletic, Manchester City were thought to be close to sealing a move for the striker before Pep Guardiola changed his mind and pulled the plug on the transfer.
Aubameyang, who was still at Borussia Dortmund at the time, was a key target for City, who were looking to strengthen their forward line.
But Guardiola had a change of heart late in the negotiations, because of reservations about Aubameyang's lifestyle and professional conduct off the pitch.
The report claims that Jurgen Klopp also had initial doubts about the striker's competitive instincts, when the striker joined Dortmund from Saint-Etienne.
But the now-Liverpool boss quickly discovered that Aubameyang’s flamboyant character off the pitch is part of what makes him such a driven player on it.
The 30-year-old forward has since joined Arsenal and continued his fine form, netting 61 goals in 97 appearances for the Gunners, winning the Premier League Golden Boot last season.
Despite his importance to Arsenal's success, Aubameyang's long-term future at the Emirates is uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
The Gunners could be forced to sell their prized asset if a new deal is not agreed, and when asked about the striker's future at Arsenal, Arteta admitted that the club must match the striker's ambitions.
"I think it's our responsibility to make him feel this is the right next step in his career," Arteta said during his press conference ahead of the Manchester City clash.
"In order to do that he needs to feel valued, that he belongs to us and we want him and then he needs to continue to believe that we can take this club forward in the way we want to and that he's going to be a key player to do that.
"I think at the moment I'm extremely happy with how he has been performing and behaving.
"I think I've got a really good relationship with him where we can discuss face-to-face a lot of things. So far, as I'm aware, I think he's very happy at the club."
