Pepe Reina was close to joining Arsene Wenger at the Emirates this summer…
Pepe Reina, the Napoli goalkeeper currently on loan from Liverpool, has admitted that while Arsenal were interested in his services, he is firmly concentrating on his new Serie A club, reports the Mirror.
Arsenal face Napoli this evening in a crunch Champions League tie at the Emirates, and the Gunners strike force will have to find a way past the impressive Spaniard if they are to pick up their second three points of the group.
Reina has admitted Arsenal were interested in him over the summer, and is now relishing a return to England where he represented Liverpool for eight seasons.
“The interest of Arsenal in my services?,” Reina mused, when questioned about his Champions League opponents.
“Now I think only of Napoli, but to come back to England with Napoli against Arsenal in London is special.”
As well as Reina, Arsenal were linked to a host of keepers over the summer, including Spanish legend Iker Casillas and Brazil no.1 Julio Cesar, but decided to stay faithful to Polish stopper Wojciech Szczesny, who has started the season well. They did sign Italian international Emiliano Viviano, who has yet to make an appearance this season.
“Arsenal are top of the Premier League but we are second in Serie A – and it looks like developing into a big season for us,” Reina continued.
“There is no clear favourite in this game.
“We’re very confident but it’s a tough group and an away point would mean a very positive result for us.”
To see full analysis of Arsenal v Napoli, and predicted lineups for tonight’s match, click here.
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