10 World Cup Winners Who Spurs Nearly Signed

7. Emmanuel Petit

Tearing onto an exquisitely-weighted pass from Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit didn't need to be asked twice, as he duly slalomed the ball into the bottom corner with a first-time finish. Poetry in motion, this is what they had crafted at the Ashburton Grove training ground. It was fluid, sultry football that Arsene Wenger had honed and crafted throughout his Arsenal side. Only, this goal wasn't delivered before an adoring Highbury - it was on the biggest stage of all, killing off a demoralised Brazil side, whilst simultaneously delivering the coveted Jules Rimet trophy to a jubilant France. Petit was a clever footballer. Always tidy in position, he was often the architect for the Gunners side of the late 90s, as they chased titles with a lot more fervour and gumption than the teams who begin at the Emirates with a bang in August, but wilt following the carving of the Christmas turkey. However, despite his fan favourite status at the club, by his own admission, Petit was on his way to sign for their arch-rivals when Wenger came calling in 1997.

''It's true the day I arrived in England I went to White Hart Lane. I had a meeting with Mr Sugar and they made me an offer. Two hours later they ordered me a black cab, it was pre-paid and I went to see Arsene Wenger at his place. When I arrived he was with David Dein, and two hours later I'd given my word to Arsenal'. - Emmanuel Petit,

Unperturbed by the cheek shown to the Spurs board, they made subsequent efforts to sign him following his World Cup success - and once he had left Highbury in his wake. Barcelona confirmed in April 2001 that they had received an offer from the club for the Frenchman's services, while reports were rife that the club were preparing yet another play for him during his stint at Stamford Bridge.