Arsenal have had some transfer disasters over the years, but the premature sale of Andy Cole is one of their biggest-ever regrets.
Cole came through the academy ranks at Arsenal as a bright talent, but only made one appearance for the club, before enduring a tough time under manager George Graham.
The striker was accused of having attitude and arrogance problems, and he recently slammed the treatment he received from Graham and other senior Arsenal players and staff.
Cole went on to move to Bristol City on loan in 1992, before leaving for good. It was there that he started to show his promise, earning a move to Newcastle.
The rest is history, as he went on to score 187 Premier League goals, and Arsenal fans were unhappy with his departure.
Andy Cole reveals Arsenal player conversations after exit
Speaking on The Overlap, Cole revealed that when he left Arsenal, some senior players explained that they told Graham not to sell him as they recognised his talent.
“I remember when I left and (Steve) Bouldy and Lee Dixon and all those guys were saying, ‘we all said to George you should never have sold him, should’ve never have sold him,’ but the club were saying the same thing again ‘oh he’s not going to score enough goals in the Premier League’ or whatever,” he stated.
“I just decided to get my head down and that’s what I did that’s why I went to Bristol City instead of going anywhere else, go there take that step back, rather than quickly driving forward.”
Arsenal players did not want Andy Cole to leave
It was clear that despite Graham’s reservations, that Cole’s Arsenal peers could see his talent.
Ian Wright has previously stated that he could not believe Cole was playing at a higher level, and this eventually paid off as he then became truly lethal and earned a move to Machester United.
Cole scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United, and won five Premier League titles as he ultimately had the last laugh over Graham, who refused to give him a proper chance because of his own personal agenda against the player.