Arsenal has a rich history filled with triumphs, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. However, like any great club, they have also experienced their fair share of missed opportunities in the transfer market. Over the years, several high-profile players have slipped through the Gunners’ fingers, leaving fans to ponder what might have been. From potential superstars to seasoned veterans, these missed transfers have often been the subject of debate among supporters and pundits alike.
UNFORGETTABLE NEAR MISSES
One of the most talked-about near misses in Arsenal’s transfer history is that of Thierry Henry. Before he became a club legend, Henry was a young talent at Juventus, struggling to find his footing. In the late 1990s, Arsenal had the chance to sign him but opted for other targets. It wasnât until 1999, after a stint at Monaco and a brief period in Italy, that the Gunners finally brought him back to North London. Had they secured him earlier, Arsenal might have enjoyed even greater success in the late 90s.
Another significant missed opportunity came in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo. In the early 2000s, the Gunners were in the market for a young winger, and Ronaldo was on the radar. However, after a memorable performance against Arsenal in a friendly match while at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United swooped in and secured his signature. The rest is history, as Ronaldo went on to become one of the greatest players of all time, while Arsenal watched from the sidelines as their rivals reaped the rewards.
The Gunners also had their eyes on Lionel Messi during his formative years at Barcelona. In the mid-2000s, Arsenal was reportedly close to signing the Argentine prodigy, but the deal fell through due to various complications. Instead, Messi remained at Barcelona, where he would go on to shatter records and redefine the game. Arsenal fans often wonder how different their fortunes might have been had they secured the services of such a generational talent.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
One of the most painful missed transfers for Arsenal supporters came in the form of Kylian Mbappé. The young French forward was making waves at AS Monaco, and Arsenal was keen to bring him to the Premier League. However, the Gunners were unable to match the financial power of Paris Saint-Germain, who ultimately secured his signature. Mbappé has since become one of the most electrifying players in world football, and his absence from the Arsenal squad is a constant reminder of what could have been.
Another notable near miss was that of N’Golo KantĂ©. After his impressive performances with Leicester City during their miraculous title-winning campaign, Arsenal was in the running to sign the French midfielder. However, the Gunners opted to pursue other targets, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and secure KantĂ©’s services. His tenacity and work rate have made him a key player for the Blues, while Arsenal has struggled to find a similar presence in midfield.
The saga of Virgil van Dijk is another chapter in Arsenal’s transfer history that leaves fans scratching their heads. The Gunners were linked with the Dutch defender during his time at Southampton, but they failed to act decisively. Van Dijk eventually made a high-profile move to Liverpool, where he has since established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Arsenal’s defensive frailties have been well-documented, and the absence of a player of Van Dijk’s caliber has been felt acutely.
These missed transfers serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the fine line between success and failure in the transfer market. Arsenal’s history is filled with what-ifs, and while the club has made some astute signings over the years, the ones that got away continue to haunt the dreams of Gunners fans.