Chelsea stopped Arsenal signing Lukaku, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has hinted at interest from Arsenal in Romelu Lukaku before the striker joined Chelsea.

The Belgian was one of Europe's top-rated youngsters after breaking through at Anderlecht and Chelsea soon wrapped up a deal worth £20 million in 2011, with Wenger admitting it is "difficult" to sign a player once they joined a "big London club".

After finding first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku was soon sent on loan to both West Brom and then Everton to much success, eventually making the move to Goodison Park permanent after 15 games and no goals for the Blues.

The 23-year-old will start when Arsenal come to town on Tuesday evening and, ahead of the game, Wenger has revealed that Chelsea's swoop ended his own hopes of bringing the striker to north London.

"I knew him when he played in Belgium," he told reporters. "He came to Chelsea very early and, once a player is at a big London club, it's difficult for us to get him."

Arsenal are in fine form this season, currently sitting in second place as Alexis Sanchez thrives as the focal point of Wenger's attack after 14 games unbeaten since losing on the opening day.

However Everton, despite Lukaku's return of nine goals in 14 games, are winless in five matches and most recently lost to Watford.