Arsenal Transfers: 10 Players That Wenger Almost Signed

8. Yaya Toure

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Ivorian powerhouse Yaya Toure has been a key part of Manchester City's domestic success since his arrival in 2010, and is regarded as one of the finest midfielders in England. Rewind back to 2003, however, and things looked very different. 

Toure lined up for The Gunners in a pre-season friendly against Barnet, and Arsene Wenger was almost certain the Ivorian would soon officially be an Arsenal player. Toure instead chose to join Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, due to passport complications and his lack of willing to wait for the situation to be resolved by the North Londoners.

He then went on to win 13 major honours in Greece, Spain and England, and has been voted African player of the year on four separate occasions since 2011. 

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Journalism student hopping between London and the North-East. Boxing enthusiast and Football Manager addict. Was diagnosed with supporting Sunderland AFC as a child.