Arsenal get linked to a large amount of players and given the club’s relatively frugal nature in the transfer market, a big percentage never make the cut.
This can be down to a number of reasons, perhaps Arsenal were never interested in the first place. Perhaps Wenger opted for somebody else. Perhaps their club weren’t willing to let them go for a fair price.
But, if you believe 90% of the players who are questioned about failed moves to Arsenal, it’s because they weren’t interested in joining the Gunners and had their hearts set on a different team.
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen did it earlier this season. Everton’s Kevin Mirallas had this to say earlier in the year: “Discussions were at quite an advanced stage with Arsenal but it was always clear it would be totally down to me to make the decision.” Of course, the Belgium forward chose to head to Goodison Park, for the additional game time – yeah right. (Source: ITV).
This all seems like codswallop to me, but it does bring me to my topic of discussion. One of Arsenal’s summer 2012 transfer targets was current AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang, recently told the Press that he to could have joined the Gunners if he wanted to, but opted against it.
He may have a tough name to pronounce, but the French U21 ace has started to form a real reputation. He may be fresh out of Ligue 2, but his pace, tough and direct attacking play have already begun to catch the eye in Serie A. Yes, he only has 1 goal in 13 games, but he’s predominantly used as a substitute and at 18-years-old, is very much at the start of his career.
The player himself had the following to say about Arsenal: “Arsenal wanted me, but when Milan showed up I had no doubts.”
He was also keen to show that he’s a confident little bugger: “Can I become the best in the world? I can make it. A club like Milan is the ideal place to grow because of the many champions you can learn from. Serie A is a tough league, physically and tactically.” (Source: The IB Times)
The Gunners missed out on a real player here. M’Baye is set for big things and will blossom into a world-class talent at Milan.
It seems as though the club is becoming a less attractive prospect for some players. Of course, failure to finish in the top four and secure a Champions League slot, would only compound this difficulty. So here’s hoping Wenger and his boys can pull off this tough challenge.
What’s your take? Did Arsenal miss out when it comes to M’Baye Niang?
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If he didn’t want to go then tbh thats his choice
There are so many players linked with Arsenal each transfer window. In my opinion it breaks down like this: Arsenal weren’t interested in half of them, a quarter of them we turned down and the rest decided not to join. But the truth is we will never know, getting angry because we didn’t sign a player the internet said we we wanted is silly.