Arsene Wenger tried to convince Billy Gilmour to join Arsenal before the midfielder’s move to Chelsea, according to a report.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal were one of many top European sides who made a serious effort to sign Billy Gilmour when the Chelsea youngster was playing for Rangers.

The Gunners invited the Gilmours down to watch an academy game, before asking them to stay another day to meet with Arsene Wenger.

Wenger requested the meeting, hoping to convince Gilmour to choose Arsenal over Chelsea.

Though it was a tempting option, and Wenger’s pitch was compelling, Chelsea made their own sales pitch with the help of Frank Lampard, and their academy facilities and coaches were more appealing to the player at the time.

Perhaps it would have been different a few years down the line, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe establishing themselves in the Arsenal first-team and the England national team.

At that point in 2017, Gilmour evidently felt his best option was Chelsea.

It seems to be working out fairly well for the 20-year-old so far. He hasn’t broken into the Chelsea team, but he’s made 22 appearances in all competitions over the four years since his move.

The Scottish youngster has broken into his national side, and he went out on loan to Norwich City this season.

The loan wasn’t going hugely well until Daniel Farke was replaced by Dean Smith, but things look more encouraging for Gilmour now. He made his first appearance in seven games to provide an assist in the win over Southampton in Smith’s first game.