Joachim Andersen was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
But the Danish defender eventually made a €30million move to French giants Lyon, following an impressive season in Serie A with Sampdoria.
Tottenham were linked with a move for the 23-year-old early in the transfer window, with question marks over the future of Toby Alderweireld, before Arsenal then entered the race for his signature.
Unai Emery was keen to bolster his defence, with left-back Kieran Tierney and centre-back David Luiz eventually joining the club on deadline day.
The Gunners' interest in Andersen never got to the stage where they were close to completing a transfer and the Dane has revealed that a move to the Emirates was not going to happen.
Speaking to Foot Mercato , he explained his decision to join Lyon, and admitted that there were two problems with making the move to Arsenal - no Champions League football and not challenging for the title.
Foot Mercato specifically asked Andersen about 'saying no to Arsenal' and he said: "In football, it's very difficult to know which is the right choice for you.
"I had several options. When I spoke in Lyon, I had a good feeling. It's a bit like buying a house. You have to go see the house before because you need a good feeling. And I got it with Lyon and that's why I chose OL.
"There were good clubs [interested in me] but Lyon was the best choice for me. I wanted to develop as a player, play the Champions League, be in a top team that fights for the title and Lyon was the best solution."
