Arsenal have so many stories of how they almost signed world-class players.
From Cristiano Ronaldo to Kylian Mbappe, Arsenal have had their fair share of near misses over the years.
Indeed, the line ‘Wenger almost signed him’ has become something of a joke over the years, and now, a Champions League-winning defender has shared how he almost joined Arsenal as a youngster.
Speaking to the BBC, Gerard Pique has shared how Arsenal tried to sign him before his eventual move to Manchester United.
Gerard Pique almost joined Arsenal
Pique spoke about nearly joining the Gunners
“Arsenal tried to get all of you?” Pique was asked.
“Yeah the first one was Cesc the summer before I left for Manchester United then Arsene came to sign me. At the time Arsenal didn’t want to get into a big fight with Barcelona because they already took Cesc at that time. They tried to agree a deal with Barcelona, but it took more time than we wanted. Manchester United arrived and said ‘listen, we want you, let’s make a decision right now.’ And I decided to go there,” Pique said
Gerard Pique could’ve thrived at Arsenal
Gerard Pique never really got going in the Premier League at Manchester United, but perhaps things could’ve been different at Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger’s style of play all those years ago was much more akin to Barcelona and Spain’s style, and perhaps Pique would’ve thrived in north London if he’d joined Arsenal.
Of course, Pique would ultimately return to Barcelona, win countless trophies and cement himself as one of the best centre-backs of the modern era, but, in another world, he could’ve been an absolute legend at Arsenal.
Arsenal have missed out on some fantastic signings over the years, and perhaps Pique is one of the best they missed out on.