King Faisal owner Alhaji Abdul Karim Grusah has denied thwarting Shilla Illiasu's move to English Premier League side Arsenal.

After starring at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany, Illiasu was linked with the Gunners and impressed on trial.

But the centre back claimed, Grusah's decision to write to the club claiming ownership of the player who was then in the books of Asante Kotoko.

This is said to have angered the agent and then Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to pull out of the deal.

''How can I deny my player from signing for a big club like Arsenal?” he queried on Nhyira FM. ''I was entitled to receiving onward transfer fee so it would’ve been irresponsible on my part to block the move.

''He should concentrate on getting a good job and stop putting the blame on me.

''I personally wasn’t aware about his supposed link to Arsenal. I would have been a very proud man to see one of my players playing for Arsenal.''