Reading defender Baba Rahman admitted he missed out on the chance to join Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The 28-year-old, currently playing for Ghana in the World Cup, joined Reading in the summer for his second loan spell from Chelsea.

A regular under Veljko Paunovic and Paul Ince, the left-back is approaching half a century of appearances for his nation, coming second in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his career could have panned out different had his visa not been turned down as a teenager.

Speaking to journalist Nazaar Kinsella, he said: “I missed out on the trial because I didn’t have a visa to the UK. I got denied a visa. But, one way or another, I found myself in London.” 

Playing only a handful of times for the Blue side of London, the full-back is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2024.

Speaking on his future he admitted that he wishes to play at a higher level soon.

“I’ve got one year more with Chelsea. My dream is, if not getting back to Chelsea, to move to a top league.”