Wenger is arguably one of the best managers in the world at recognising talent from a young age.
He is also renowned for seeing something in players which others fail to, reinvigorating the flagging careers of many professionals to blistering effect.
However nobody is perfect and Wenger is guilty of having let some absolutely world class players slip through the net throughout his 17 year tenure.
He has undoubtedly brought more in than let go but TLR coudn’t help thinking what our team might’ve been like today had we been diligent enough to get those elusive starlets to put pen to paper.
Here’s a list of 5 ones that got away:
1) Zlatan Ibrahimovic
While still playing for Swedish outfit Malmo FC Zalatan and his agent Mino Raiola made the trip to London Colney to meet with Wenger. Zlatan himself admitted to being overawed by the likes of Bergkamp, Henry and Viera and was eager to open talks with the manager. Wenger requested that Zlatan take part in a trial to which Mino replied ‘Zalatan doesn’t do trials’ before storming out taking the young Swede with him. Zlatan went on to join Ajax and has since played for Europe's elite sides.
2) Gareth Bale
The man who single-handedly kept Spurs in contention for fourth spot last season and who is now lighting up La Liga was very nearly a Gunner. Back when Bale was a stringy teen playing as left-back for a prodigious Southampton side that gave us Walcott, Wenger had the option to sign Bale for an absolute steal. At the time Wenger didn't sign Bale, stating 'We didn't sign Bale because we already had Clichy'....looooooool
3) Petr Cech
Arsenal had agreed both fees and personal terms with the promising goalkeeper in 2002, who was plying his trade in the Czech first division with Sparta Prague. Yet issues surrounding work permits (a breaking point for many subsequent transfer attempts) saw Arsenal pull out of the deal. Instead, Cech joined French side Rennes where he impressed enough to draw the attention of other premier league clubs, eventually signing for the West London Oil Drums.
4) Yaya Toure
With older brother Kolo playing first team football with Arsenal, little (hah) brother Yaya was brought to the club. Yaya even played in the famous red and white for a youth side game before issues surrounding work permits once again forced Arsenal to make a decision. Toure ended up joining greek side Olympiakos before going on to become Viera v2.0 with the limited edition 'free kick' accessory pack.
5) Cristiano Ronaldo
The now twice FIFA World Player of the Year admitted, 'It's true. I was an inch away from signing for Arsenal. I saw Arsene Wenger three times with my mother. It was very close to being a done deal.' According to Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, a clutch of high-profile clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, were keen to sign the youngster from Sporting Lisbon. Whilst still nothing more than a promising talent the young Ronaldo was shown around London Colney and was even given an Arsenal shirt with his name on the back by Wenger. The Gunners agreed a fee thought to be worth around £4 million for the Portuguese winger. However just as things looked as though they were heading towards an agreement Manchester United came in with a bid that far outweighed Arsenal's, having been so impressed in a friendly with Sporting Lisbon.
Add those players to our current squad and this is what you get.... we know, we know.....
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Wojciech Szczesny Defenders: Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Sagna, Vermaelen, Monreal Midfielders: Ramsey, Özil, Bale, Toure, Ronaldo, Wilshere, Chamberlain, Cazorla, Rosicky, Arteta, Flamini Strikers: Ibrahimovic, Suarez, Giroud, Sanogo
Daayyymmmmmm that's hot.
For more Arsenal and football content follow @thelovelyreds on twitter and tune into the blog everyday for original content. Thanks for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment