Arsene Wenger held talks with Real Madrid while
still in charge of Arsenal, claims former Paris
Saint-Germain president Charles Villeneuve, with
the Frenchman now being tipped for a role in his
homeland.
A man who spent 22 years in charge of the
Gunners has never made any secret of the fact
that he was targeted by La Liga giants during his
reign in north London.
It has now been revealed that he went as far as
holding discussions with Madrid as they
endeavoured to lure him away from the Premier
League.
No deal was done, though, and Wenger only
severed ties with Arsenal over the summer as
those in north London sought to welcome in a new
era after more than two decades of stability in the
dugout.
Villeneuve told Paris United of previous exit
meetings: “Two clubs always wanted him as a
coach.
“One was Bayern Munich, because he speaks four
different languages.
“I also went to a gymnasium in Italy to attend
negotiations with Real Madrid, but he stayed at
Arsenal.”
Villeneuve was a journalist prior to filling a
presidential role at PSG between May 2008 and
January 2009.
He has always been a fan of Wenger and believes
he would be a shrewd appointment for those at
Parc des Princes.
It is unclear what role the 69-year-old could fill in
the French capital, though, with there still a desire
on his part to return to coaching after being linked
with posts at Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Real
Madrid.
Villeneuve added on a possible homecoming at
PSG: “I think he'd offer great services, but not as
president.
“The current president Nasser Al-Khelaifi does his
job well, but great clubs are made through great
leaders.
“A club isn't only made by great players, so I'd
welcome Wenger's arrival at PSG.
“The leaders there love Wenger a lot, but he never
wanted to go.
“He is monogamous and his club is Arsenal.”
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