Sassuolo centreback, Francesco Acerbi, has revealed that he said ‘no’ to Claudio Ranieri during the January transfer window however if Arsenal had called, ‘who knows…’

Acerbi, 29, is under contract with the Italians until 2018 and there is absolutely no reason to think that Arsenal are considering any sort of move for the player.

It was a good chance,” Acerbi said. “The charm of the Premier League, I would play for the Champions. 

“I heard from Ranieri three times, I said: ‘If the Sassuolo opens the door, I come willingly’. Otherwise nothing, I do not go to the fight just to leave a club in January to which I have so much gratitude.

Francesco Acerbi
Francesco Acerbi of US Sassuolo Calcio reacts during the TIM Cup match between US Sassuolo and AC Cesena at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on January 18, 2017 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“If it were Arsenal, who knows … Now, I do not know if I will have the same chance again. I do not think about it until June and it is not sure that [I will] leave the Sassuolo. 

“Leicester or Inter? I choose Inter, all my life.”

With Leicester under new management for the next transfer window, it’s not clear if they will go back for the player.  Arsenal are reportedly in the market for another centre-back. Given his age, Acerbi is not likely to be a target.

He has three goals and one assist in 25 Serie A appearances this season and is currently thought to be worth around £8.5m.