Arsenal scout Jurgen Kost took part in a panel for a football conference in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul on Tuesday 7 March.

The conference focused on football stars of the future but what really stood out from Kost’s speech was how close Arsenal came to signing Barcelona star Arda Turan.

See More: For the latest Arda Turan news and everything else you ever wanted to know about the Barcelona star

“We were keeping tabs on Arda Turan and were really impressed with him at the 2008 European Championships but he had a dip in form at his club and that is why we pulled out from transferring him,” Kost was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football.

Turan went onto join Atletico Madrid in 2011 and went onto become the most successful Turkish international player to leave the country.

The attacking midfielder was part of the Atletico Madrid side that won the 2013-14 La Liga title.

The 30-year-old also won the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and played a key role in the Atleti side that reached the 2014 Champions League final.

Turan then went onto join Barcelona where he won the Spanish double in his first season.

The Turkish football star has won the league title, domestic cup and super cup at every club he has played at.

Turan was also part of the Turkish national team side that reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League title since the 2003-04 season.

Turan has been in impressive form for Barcelona this season, the experienced attacking midfielder has 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions – his best season in terms of goals and assists since moving to Spain from Turkey.