Chelsea ruined Arsenal’s hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku, reveals Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed Chelsea's move for Romelu Lukaku scuppered Arsenal's chances of signing him.

The Belgian, now plying his trade with Everton, originally came to England in 2011 as part of a deal which saw him head to Stamford Bridge from Anderlecht for nearly £20million.

Back then the 18-year-old was regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football and Wenger has confessed he was on his radar.

But the striker's decision to join Chelsea made it very difficult for Arsenal to consider signing him when he left the Blues in 2014 for Everton.

"I knew him when he played in Belgium," said Wenger.

"He came to Chelsea very early and, once a player is in a big London club, it's difficult for us to get him."