Arsenal nearly acquired the services of defender Hamza Mendyl from Lille this summer, only for work permit to scotch up the deal.
Hamza Mendyl was part of Morocco’s World Cup squad that traveled to Russia but didn’t get any game time there. He has won 13 caps for his country and made 13 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
German outfit Schalke completed signing of Mendyl earlier this week.
Before joining the German club he previously traveled to London ahead of a proposed move to North London, and the Schalke’s sporting director, Christian Heidel, insists that paperwork problems are all that stopped the transfer.
“I think otherwise he would have gone to Arsenal,” Heidel said, when asked about the work permits.
“I am very happy to have signed a contract with such a big club,” Hamza said on signing for Schalke.
“With Domenico Tedesco, I encounter a coach known for improving players. He proved that impressively last year. I too would like to develop further under him and help Schalke 04 play a good role in all three competitions [Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League].”
