10 Players You Didn't Know Nearly Signed For AC Milan

9. Emmanuel Adebayor

If one were to casually stroll around the Emirates Stadium before a match and conduct a box pop regarding just why Emmanuel Adebayor is held in such low regard by the Arsenal faithful, they would be falling over themselves with reasons. There would, of course, be the fact that he currently plies his trade down the road at White Hart Lane. They would mention his infamous 90 yard dash-and-slide celebration in front of the Arsenal support five years ago. But also, there would be mentions of the unwavering commitment that the Togolese centre-forward showed to the Gunners, thinking more of his bank account and what potential employers were out there for him, citing a particular long-running transfer saga after his breakthrough season at the club. Adebayor had just scored 30 goals the previous term, having flattered to deceive in his previous 18 months at the club. Instead of knuckling down and striving to build on his progress, the former Monaco hit-man spent the summer of 2008 flirting with the Rossoneri, as they attempted to thrash out a deal for the want away centre-forward.

''We are in negotiations with Arsenal, who are not willing to sell at the moment. We۪ll see how far we can get with our offer. If the English club don۪t want to sell, then too bad.۪۪ - Adriano Galliani, June 2008.

With the potent hit-man reportedly having shook hands on a deal with the Italian giants, following meetings with Milanese officials, it looked like the transfer was simply a formality. However, with the club having signed Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho in the same window, the purse strings began to tighten, and the club simply refused to meet the Gunners€™ asking price of £30 million.