Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to sign Joe Cole, it has been revealed.
The Daily Star says the Gunners pulled out of trying to sign Cole because they are so confident of keeping Cesc Fabregas.
Cole was keen on a move to the Emirates. But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger did not pursue a deal with the former Chelsea star because he is convinced Fabregas can be persuaded to stay.
Cole, 28, was a fan of Arsenal as a boy and is understood to have let Wenger know he favoured a switch to the club.
The Gunners - unlike Liverpool - could also have offered Cole Champions League football.
But with Wenger not pursuing a deal, Cole opted instead for Anfield, where he has agreed a four-year contract worth £90,000-a-week.
