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4 Players Who Almost Played For Arsenal, But Ended Up Legends Elsewhere

Arsenal are having a pretty quiet transfer season with just Petr Cech being the only marquee signing. It is believed that Karim Benzema, Alexander Kokorin or Edinson Cavani could make a switch to the Emirates. Also, if rumors are to be believed Sevilla midfielder could also join the Gunners for the next season. However, we take a throwback and take a look at the players who could have joined Arsenal.

Zlatan Ibrahimović:

Oh boy! Talking about controversial moves and ignoring Zlatan is nothing short of a crime. During Zlatan’s days at his boyhood club Malmo, a reported fee of 3 million euros was struck by the Gunners. Everything was going as per plan and the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger asked the Swede to play a trial match to which Zlatan replied “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions”. A nineteen year old striker responding to an “Invincible” winning boss surely made Wenger mad and the Frenchman decided to sign Guy Demel, who plays as a right back for London rivals West Ham.

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.

Yaya Toure:

Yaya Toure had been a long term target for the Gunners after a successful buy of the then Arsenal captain Kolo Toure, Wenger wanted to sign the Ivory Coast captain. But due to the stringent work permit rules, Yaya Toure’s move fell apart. Just an FYI, Yaya Toure featured for Arsenal in a friendly against English club Barnet.