Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was reportedly on the verge of a move to Manchester City, 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.
According to The Athletic, City had lined up a deal to sign the Gabon international but Guardiola had a change of heart late in the negotiations.
It is claimed that the City boss had reservations about Aubameyang's lifestyle and professional conduct off the pitch, which led to the move being curtailed at the 11th hour.
The report claims City director Txiki Begiristain was left to apologise to a disappointed Aubameyang, with the striker keen on a move to the champions.
The 30-year-old forward has since joined Arsenal, and established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta's squad.
Aubameyang has scored 61 goals in 97 appearances for the Gunners, winning the Premier League Golden Boot last season.
The striker now enjoys a good relationship with Arteta, but The Athletic claim the Spaniard arrived at Arsenal with initial reservations about Aubameyang - stemming from the failed transfer to Manchester City.
Asked about the striker's future at Arsenal, Arteta recently admitted that the Gunners had to match their star player's ambitions to keep him at the club.
"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."
