10 Players Who Rejected Arsenal

Rejection is often a bitter blow to take. Poor Arsene has dealt with a few over the years.

Arsenals manager Arsene Wenger
Tim Ireland/AP

Arsenal have long had an immense pulling power that has allowed them to acquire some of the world's top talent, including Thierry Henry, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

With an impressive reputation built on playing fluid football, plus the added bonus of being situated in England's capital city, Arsene Wenger has been able to offer a whole host of selling points to his transfer targets over the years.

The upcoming season will be the first time in 20 years the Gunners haven't had the lure of Champions League football to entice their summer transfer targets. The fans have grown restless with their leader and Wenger is now pondering big-money moves for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette as he attempts to make a charge on the Premier League once more.

However, even when they were at their peak, with a regular slot in England's top tier's elite and an array of superstars constantly making their name at the club, certain players haven't exactly been enamoured by a move to Highbury or The Emirates.

So, who has had the audacity to turn down Arsene Wenger's advances?

10. Jackson Martinez

Lionel Messi Arsenal
Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

In 2015, Jackson Martinez was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates after a fantastic season with Porto.

The Colombian striker had a £25 million release clause in his contract and it was thought to be a two-way battle between the Gunners and AC Milan for who landed his signature. However, the frontman made the shock decision to head to Spain and signed on the dotted line for Atletico Madrid.

The move failed to be the success the Spanish side were expecting and after only netting twice in 15 appearances, Martinez was sent packing. He currently plies his trade in China and is Guangzhou Evergrande's number nine, lining up alongside former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho.

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Contributor

Geordie journalist with itchy feet having lived in Tenerife, France, Belfast and Australia.