5 players that Arsene Wenger missed out on signing during his Arsenal tenure

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After 21 years of incredible service, the now-former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger decided to quit the Emirate Stadium. His relationship with the Gunners is indeed a memorable one and he will be remembered forever for his incredible deeds at the club.

During his time in North London, Wenger attained many fantastic heights and earned a reputation for playing an attractive brand of football. His style of play attracted a lot of people to the club, with many viewing him as an idol.

Another thing that brought him reputation is his ability to identify and sign incredible young talents. In fact, the tactician played important roles in the development of many youngsters, who under his tutorship became mega superstars in their respective careers. The likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, and Denis Bergkamp are all products of the incredible manager.

However, despite his attempts to sign prodigious talents, Arsene still failed to capture some fantastic youngsters during his stay at the Emirates. Some of these players have become global stars, with some, winning the Ballon d’Or, the European Golden Shoe, the Champions League as well as other honors.

Therefore, lets quickly look at 5 amazing players that the manager missed out on signing during his Arsenal tenure:

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#5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

After making name for himself across Europe with his brilliant performances for Malmo, former Manchester United striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost signed for Arsenal in 2000.

The attacker looked destined to join the Gunners, following Arsene Wenger’s effort to lure him to North London. The Sweden International even visited Arsenal’s training ground where he was presented with a customized shirt bearing his name at the back. 

However, things went the other way when Arsene Wenger asked Ibrahimovic to participate in a trial match. The striker responded, saying: ”Zlatan doesn’t do auditions”.

#4. Luis Suarez

Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez is another top superstar that Arsene Wenger could have lured to the Emirates Stadium during his time at Arsenal. Following his impressive displays for Liverpool in the 2012/2013 campaign, the Uruguayan became a priority target for the Gunners and a deal was almost completed in the summer of 2013.

It is true that the striker also wanted to join the Gunners but the North London outfit failed to convince Liverpool with their bids, therefore the deal collapsed.

During the following season, Suarez took his game to another level, almost firing The Reds to the Premier League title before securing a £75million move to Barcelona in the summer.

#3. Ronaldinho

One of the most popular names in the game, Brazilian playmaker, Ronaldinho, is another big-name superstar that Arsene Wenger narrowly failed to sign during his Arsenal tenure. The manager was very close to signing the midfielder in 2001 but he could only watch as the player completed a transfer to Paris Saint Germain instead.

The manner in which the move collapsed left Arsene Wenger fuming. The Frenchman had already discussed the deal with the player’s brother and everything was going smooth,

However, after failing to secure a work permit from the British Immigration department, the playmaker moved to the Ligue 1 instead. Ronaldinho represented the Parisians for 2 years before moving to Barcelona where he won 2 Ballon d’Or awards and established himself as a club legend. 

#2. Lionel Messi

Arsene Wenger has been a long-time admirer of Barcelona’s famous academy, La Masia, with the manager signing some notable names from there.

One of the best products from the academy, Lionel Messi, has become a legend at Barcelona. However, the playmaker could have ended up being an Arsenal player had things worked in Arsene Wenger’s favor 15 years ago.

The Argentine, alongside his teammate, Cesc Fabregas were both targetted by the Frenchman in 2003. While Wenger succeeded in luring Fabregas to the Emirates Stadium, he failed in his attempt to convince Messi to join him in North London, later revealing that the Argentine felt more comfortable in Catalonia.

Messi went on to win 5 Ballon d’Or awards, 5 European Golden Shoes, 5 Pichichis, 4 Champions League trophies, 9 La Liga titles as well as many other honors with the Catalan giants.

#1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 and made history by becoming the first Premier League player to win the Ballon d’Or. During his time at the Old Trafford, he won the Premier League title, UEFA Champions League trophy, the FA Cup as well as other famous accolades with the Red Devils.

However, Arsenal fans will be shocked to learn that the Portuguese could have brought all those achievements to the Emirates Stadium had Arsene Wenger got his tactics right earlier.

The manager was one of the foremost figures that spotted the talented youngster in 2003. He entered into negotiations with the Portuguese before Manchester United came in. After failing to compete with the Red Devils’ offer, the player moved to the Old Trafford instead.

Ronaldo is one of the superstars that Arsene Wenger still regrets not signing for the Gunners. In a recent interview in May, reported by the Daily Mail, the Frenchman told Arsenal’s website:

‘The obvious player (that we missed out on) that comes to mind is Ronaldo,

‘He was here with his mother and we were very close. Then Man United came in and they had Carlos Queiroz at the time, who was their coach.

‘United played against Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo was outstanding and they signed him.