It is well documented that Arsenal have come close to signing some top players since Arsene Wenger’s arrival, but have fallen short at the final hurdle. Let’s hope that when Wenger goes in pursuit of top class this summer he finds it and manages to seal the deal. Here are six players Arsenal have been close to signing to but never signed.
1. Eden Hazard
It was always known that Arsenal were interested in Hazard and when they went to Lille to sign him they came back with Gervinho. That was obviously one trip that involved several glasses of wine.. well crates, several of them. Arsene Wenger told French Radio in May on signing Hazard: ‘Yes, I wanted to take him, I had his agent at my home but again the barrier was financial and Chelsea made an effort that I couldn’t make.’ Arsenal fans will be incredibly gutted that this one didn’t go through after Hazard demonstrated his World Class potential in the recent season. It is likely that Hazard will continue to make Arsene wish he stumped up those extra funds to sign the Belgian midfielder in the coming seasons. Perhaps if Hazard became available this summer rather than a few summers ago Arsenal would have been in a stronger financial position to sign him. Gutted Rating: 9/10.
Navigate through the 6 players using the pages below. (Photo via Ben Sutherland)