Lionel Messi:
Arsene Wenger had set up a scouting system in Spain and especially the La Masia, the academy for Barcelona. Back then the scouts had targeted to sign Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi. However, only Cesc Fabregas’ move to Arsenal materialized and he went on to become the captain. But, Messi’s move to Arsenal was curtailed and a contract offer was rejected by the then 15-year old Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
The legend has it that the Portuguese captain was spotted around London Colney and even handed the Arsenal jersey. A fee of 4 million euro was supposed to take place, but Sporting hosted Manchester United and the three time Balon D’Or impressed Sir Alex Ferguson. Well the rest is history.
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