10 Boyhood Arsenal Fans The Gunners Should Have Signed

10. Axel Witsel

“I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was a kid, around 5 or 6 years of age. I love the club because there’s so much young talent. When they play well - it’s amazing. I think I’m good enough to play for Arsenal.” - Axel Witsel, December 2008.

What are you waiting for, Arsene? Axel Witsel is not just one of those footballers who caught a few Arsenal games on TV as a youngster and developed an admiration for Thierry Henry - the Belgian has regularly attended Arsenal games, even joining in the anti-Spurs songs with the match-going faithful. When a Tottenham fan asked him to sign for them, his indignant yet light-hearted retort was that he ‘wanted to sign for a big club’.

“I dream to play for Arsenal. If Man United, Chelsea an Arsenal want me, I’d go straight to Arsenal without any thought. Thierry Henry is my idol. I love this player because he has so much class. What I love most is the way he celebrates his goals. It seems he doesn’t care about his goal.” - Axel Witsel, December 2008.

The tough-tackling midfielder has been linked with Chelsea, Juventus and Everton this summer following a strong showing at Euro 2016, but should the Gunners look to bolster their midfield with the signing of the want away Zenit Saint Petersburg star, they would surely be in pole position.