Bayern Munich would have loved to prise Arsene Wenger away from Arsenal, club president Uli Hoeness has admitted.
The Bundesliga giants have got their hands on the hottest managerial property around in the shape of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who joins in the summer, but Hoeness has revealed Wenger has been high on their wishlist in the past.
Bayern first considered the Frenchman in the early 90s and were keen to follow up their interest during his long stay in north London.
Hoeness told The Sun: "We did try to get him at Bayern Munich a few times.
"Even before he went to Japan (in 1995), Franz Beckenbauer and I went to Nice and discussed with him and everything was clear, but then at the end of the day he decided to go to Japan.
"We were very surprised. From Japan he went to Arsenal and over the years, whenever we were looking for a new coach, Wenger was always one we considered.
"He's a very serious person, very strong and has a very good idea about the game. There have been a few moments where we have discussed his name over the years.
"He has always remained loyal to Arsenal which is fantastic behaviour. But it is true we wanted him at Bayern a few times."
While the football world eagerly anticipates Guardiola's arrival in Munich, Hoeness accepts there is an element of pressure given the club's success under the outgoing Jupp Heynckes.
"We are proud we signed him (Guardiola). It's a fantastic thing for the Bundesliga.
"But the problem for him and Bayern is it's a risk as well. He will be under huge pressure. I think we will be champions this year so the pressure on him and the club will be big. With Guardiola, you can only win the championship, nothing else.
"Jupp Heynckes is doing a fantastic job and Guardiola will be measured by what happens this year."
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