Monaco forward Henry Onyekuru has admitted to the BBC he was desperate to join Arsenal before signing for Everton in 2017.
Three-and-a-half years ago, Everton appeared to have pulled off a major coup when they fought off competition from clubs all over Europe for one of the continent’s hottest young forwards.
The Toffees invested £7 million in Onyekuru on the back of his breakthrough, 22-goal season at Belgian outfit KAS Eupen.
But it seems Everton wasn’t his first choice.
A right-footed left-winger who idolises Thierry Henry, Arsenal were Onyekuru’s preferred destination – although this was a dream that would never materialise.
“I really wanted to go to Arsenal. I spoke to some people there as I was very young then,” the Nigeria international explains.
Onyekuru would never make an appearance for Everton after failing to obtain a work permit and, after loan spells at Anderlecht and Galatasaray, the quicksilver forward left on a permanent basis once Monaco came calling in 2019.
“It was obvious I wasn’t going to play without a UK work permit. So I went to Everton and played in the Champions League through a loan move to Anderlecht,” the 23-year-old adds.
“It was important for me to get more playing time and experience I had hoped would help boost my chances of earning the permit.
“I can’t say I regretted this because I got to play against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League. This doesn’t happen to everyone.”
Onyekuru has played only four matches for Monaco this season and hasn’t even been included in the matchday squad since November.
That Arsenal dream looks more fanciful now than ever.
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