10 Players Who Rejected Arsenal

5. Vincent Kompany

Lionel Messi Arsenal
Tim Goode/PA Archive

Injuries have made Vincent Kompany's career in England stop-start in recent seasons, but before he joined the Manchester City revolution he almost signed for Arsene Wenger's side.

At the age of 22, the Belgian defender could have been wearing the red of Arsenal when he left Anderlecht for Hamburg. However, the Gunners' advances came too soon as the tough-tackling defender reportedly didn't think he was ready to join a top club.

Although Arsenal have been missing a leader in the mould of Tony Adams at the back in recent years, Kompany's decision has proven to be a wise one as he has turned out to be one of the best in the world in his position. Manchester City certainly aren't complaining, anyway!

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