In 1996, Wenger had just taken over as Arsenal boss and was looking to strengthen his midfield department. One man on his list of targets was a certain Claude Makelele, who was plying his trade with Nantes at the time. However, Wenger was also looking at Patrick Vieira, a tall, powerful midfielder who was struggling to get into the AC Milan side. After deliberating the decision, the French manager elected to sign Vieira. In hindsight, it was not a bad move. Vieira would go on to captain Arsenal, before leaving the club in 2005 for Italian side Juventus. Makelele himself would also enjoy a prosperous career, playing for Real Madrid and Chelsea.