In July 2011, Liverpool were showing a lack of progress securing a move for contract rebel, Stewart Downing, which left the door open for a cheeky bid from Arsenal who were ready to take advantage of the situation. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger allegedly bid around £18million for the Aston Villa prospect who eventually chose to sign for Liverpool instead. At a time where Fabregas and Nasri were departing the Emirates, Downing could have really established himself as the creative force in the squad. Instead, he chose to move to Liverpool where his career stalled and Arsenal snapped up the equally impressive winger, Gervinho. There was speculation of another bid for Downing before he made the switch from Liverpool to West Ham too, but this was likely just Arsenal fans desperate to see someone other than Gervinho on the ball. Downing now plies his trade at West Ham but, for the winger who was England's next best thing, he really must be wondering 'what would have happened if I'd signed for Arsenal?'
I have been described as a sportsman with the brain of an athlete and the body of a scientist. Since it was established that playing wouldn't work out for me I have taken to writing.
