Midfielders:
Holding Midfielder: Claude Makelele
Claude Makelele could have been the answer to Arsenal’s defensive problems. Makelele, one of the best defensive midfielders ever, was close to signing with Arsenal when he was just 23. The move never went through obviously and Claude went on to have an exceptional career, plying his trade for Marseille, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and Chelsea.
According to Wenger, “Makelele was close to signing with us. He was straight after Vieira came, August 1996. He was still in Nantes.”
Centre Mid: Yaya Toure
On the club’s radar from a very young age, the Ivorian was on the verge of signing for the Gunners only to be denied by work permit and passport issues. With brother Kolo already established in the side, Wenger was keen on roping in Yaya as well.
The midfielder played a friendly for Arsenal against Barnet, but eventually signed for Ukrainian side Metalurh Donetsk. Yaya eventually ended up at Manchester City, and is currently one of the best players on their roster.
“We needed to wait for his passport in Belgium. We have made mistakes but he is not a mistake, it's just the fact that he preferred to go to Metalurh Donetsk. He could go there without any passport.” said the Arsenal manager.
Right Wing: Gareth Bale
Arsenal were scouting the young Welshman alongside Theo Walcott in Southampton way back in 2006. Although Walcott made the move, Wenger was unsure of Bale’s abilities as a defender and decided against making an offer. Bale moved to London rivals Spurs and eventually to Madrid for 86 million pounds, making him the world’s most expensive player.
In an interview later, the Arsenal manager admitted his mistakes saying, “I must confess it was a huge mistake as he can play in midfield. He struggled at the start at Tottenham, then they moved him to midfield and he has done exceptionally well.”
Left wing: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo was taken on a tour of Arsenal’s training facilities and even given a jersey with his name on the back. A deal of 4 million pounds was agreed with Sporting, but it was never finalised. The Portuguese side then hosted Manchester United later in a friendly.
Sir Alex, impressed with Ronaldo’s performances decided to make a move for the youngster. Using the Portuguese influence of Carlos Queiroz, Fergie managed to lure Ronaldo to United.
In 2014 Wenger was quoted as saying, "My biggest regret, I was so close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo, and not only did I not get him he signed for Manchester United, so that of course still hurts today."
