Bayern tried to sign Wenger several times

By FOX Sports staff

Hoeness claims Bayern have tried to lure Wenger to Bavaria on several occasions - even before he became a household name in England.

"We did try to get him at Bayern Munich a few times," Hoeness told The Sun.

"Even before he went to Japan, Franz Beckenbauer and I went to Nice and discussed with him and everything was clear, but then at the end of the day he decided to go to Japan.

"We were very surprised. From Japan he went to Arsenal and over the years, whenever we were looking for a new coach, Wenger was always one we considered.

"He's a very serious person, very strong and has a very good idea about the game.

"There have been a few moments where we have discussed his name over the years.

"He has always remained loyal to Arsenal which is fantastic behaviour. But it is true we wanted him at Bayern a few times."

With Jupp Heynckes set to leave in the summer, Bayern moved swiftly in the transfer market to sign former Barcelona tactician Pep Guardiola.

"We are proud we signed him. It's a fantastic thing for the Bundesliga," he said.

"But the problem for him and Bayern is it's a risk as well. He will be under huge pressure. I think we will be champions this year so the pressure on him and the club will be big. With Guardiola, you can only win the championship, nothing else.

"Jupp Heynckes is doing a fantastic job and Guardiola will be measured by what happens this year."

Bayern are set to win the Bundesliga this season with a 20-point lead over defending champions Borussia Dortmund with nine games left.

In contrast, Wenger is currently facing the most difficult period in his Arsenal career as he prepares for an eighth successive season without a trophy.

With no chance of a domestic title this campaign, the Gunners play Bayern in Germany in midweek trailing 3-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash.