Tresor Mputu discloses why his move to Arsenal fell through

TP Mazembe star, Tresor Mputu has revealed how close he came to joining Arsenal in 2007.

The DR Congo international trained with the Premier League giants for two months and impressed then manager Arsene Wenger.

But the Gunners boss, who was known for being economical during his reign was not ready to splash the cash despite moving to sign him up.

TP Mazembe president Moise Katumbi spoke to Arsenal to thrash out the finer details but the businessman and politician reluctantly refused the offer which was far off expectations.

“I’d spent two months in London training with Arsenal alongside Adebayor and many others, and they rated me,” Mputu said in an Instagram Live video.

“Then, the president [of TP Mazembe], Moise Katumbi, came to discuss with the English club’s board, and he went back immediately.

“I wasn’t told what they had spoken about. It’s only later that I learned Arsenal didn’t try and pay much.

“Arsene Wenger called me, confirming this information, to tell me that if a player comes from Africa, you always buy him for less and then percentages make it up afterwards.

“The next day, Mazembe’s accountant would tell me that the president said we needed to go back.”

Tresor Mputu has spent all but two years of his career with TP Mazembe. After failing to land deals with both Anderlecht in Belgium and Lille in France, the 34-year-old moved to play for Angolan side Kabuscorp SC between 2014 and 2016 before making a return to the five-time Caf Champions League winners.