Arsenal Transfers: 10 Players That Wenger Almost Signed
The ones that got away...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is renowned worldwide for his shrewd business in the transfer market. Though their recruitment policy has evolved in the last couple of years, the North Londoners are known as a club which develops young talents into household names (and then usually sells them).
The Gunners' reputation as a feeder club for Europe's elite is fast-fading though. Big money arrivals Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez announced a new Arsenal - a one which is willing to splash out on the best players available. Make no mistake, however, Wenger will continue to develop his own talent alongside big name arrivals. Players such as Thierry Henry, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas flourished into international superstars under the Frenchman since the turn of the decade.
Does Arsene Wenger always get it right in the transfer market though? Arguably, no. The man who bought Nicolas Anelka for £500,000 and sold him a year later for £23m does occasionally get it wrong. What many people don't realise is just how many players Arsene Wenger didn't quite sign that went on to be among the world's elite in future years.
Here's 10 unbelievable players that came close to joining Arsenal, though never signed on the dotted line.
10. Didier Drogba
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joined the blues in 2004 after spells in France with Le Mans, Guingamp and Marseille. It was during Drogba's time at second division Le Mans that Arsene Wenger decided to pass up the opportunity to sign the Ivorian, though admitting he was a 'good player'.
Drogba went on to score 15 goals in as many games against Arsenal, and amassed 164 goals during his time in London. Frenchman Wenger has since openly admitted he regrets not signing the Ivorian, who went on to win 14 major honours down the road at Stamford Bridge, including the UEFA Champions League in 2012.