Donny van de Beek's agent has revealed Arsenal tried to sign the midfielder before his move to Manchester United.
The 23-year-old this week completed his move from Ajax to Old Trafford, with United beating a host of clubs to sign him.
Van de Beek's form at Ajax saw a number of clubs linked to the Dutch international, with Real Madrid often touted as a potential destination.
The player's agent, Sjaak Swart, has now revealed that the Gunners were among the list of clubs keen to land the midfielder.
Yet Swart also said that Arsenal were unable to raise the funds to sign van de Beek.
"Yes, they really wanted him," Swart told Showtime.
"But they just couldn’t get the money for a transfer.
"Even the biggest clubs struggle. Arsenal is a great club, but Manchester United will certainly be an interesting adventure.
"There were more clubs with interest, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Juventus and Arsenal.
"There were six in total."
Van de Beek does have some links to Arsenal as he dates Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp's daughter Estelle.
The midfielder revealed that he consulted Bergkamp over what playing in England is like before completing the move to Old Trafford.
Van de Beek told De Telegraaf : "My father in law Dennis Bergkamp obviously played for another club, but he’s a legend in England and knows exactly how it all goes in the Premier League.
"He keeps telling me that it’s incredibly fun and also very tough to play there. I’m going to prepare myself for that."
