Mikel Arteta refused to comment when asked whether Arsenal tried to sign new Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara.
The Gunners were repeatedly linked with a move for the Spaniard before the Reds finalised a deal with Bayern Munich.
Arsenal are widely reported to want a new central midfielder this summer, with Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar on their wishlist.
With Thiago potentially in line for his first Premier League start against Arsenal when the two teams meet at Anfield on Monday, Arteta was asked about any potential failed transfer to the Emirates.
"We don’t discuss the things that we have to try to do in the market," he told Football.London.
"I really like him from my time I was in Barcelona. He plays with incredible personality, great talent, very special qualities to play in midfield.
"He's a great signing for Liverpool."
With the two clubs also set to meet in the Carabao Cup fourth round next week, the doubleheader will act as a marker for both club's ambitions this season.
On the difficulty of facing the Premier League champions, Arteta said: "They are getting better and better. They have less weaknesses. They are a fantastic side.
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"The issues with the weakness of opponents are how many times you get to exploit them and how many opportunities you get to do that. As well with all the incredible things they have, you know that they're going to try and still able to do them.
"I want to focus on what we can do, what we have to do and control our own aspects."
