Arsenal Transfers: 10 Players That Wenger Almost Signed

Xabi Alonso came incredibly close to making the switch from Liverpool to Arsenal during a hectic 2008 summer transfer window. With Liverpool pursuing Gareth Barry, Alonso was on the verge of a £16m move to London, as he feared the arrival of the Englishman meant his time on Merseyside was up. 

The deal to bring Barry to Liverpool fell through, however, and Alonso remained at Anfield for another year. The Spaniard then spent five years at Real Madrid, making 236 appearances and winning five major honours. 

Alonso is still regarded as one of the classiest playmakers on the planet, and recently won the Bundesliga during his first season with Bayern Munich. At the age of 33, he has shown no signs of decline.