Nigerian striker Austin Amatu admits he agreed a deal with Premier League giants Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s time at the Emirates Stadium but the transfer failed to materialise, speaking to All Nigeria Soccer.
What could’ve been, hey?
Now 29, Amatu has still carved out a respectable career in front of goal. He’s provided 24 goals or assists in the Egyptian Premier League, having spent last season at Al-Masry, and was included in the provisional squad for Nigeria’s 2021 African Cup of Nations campaign.
But it’s still tempting to wonder how differently his career might have progressed had a move to Arsenal not fallen through.
Austin Amatu nearly signed for Arsenal
“It has been my dream to play for Arsenal,” Amatu said back in 2016. “They came for my while I was at Warri Wolves. And I think it was money that truncated the whole thing. By now, I should be playing for Arsenal or any team in England.
“I am happy that a coach like Wenger has had interest in me for so long. And that he still keeps his eyes on me and has not lost interest.
It looks likely, however, that Amatu will celebrate his 30th birthday having never made his mark in one of Europe’s major leagues.
“When I was at Warri Wolves, I had a deal with Arsenal,” Amatu adds.
The striker did spent a brief spell in Turkey with Yemi Malatyaspor, albeit scoring just three times in 20 league games for the club.
And Amatu is not the only Nigerian centre-forward who has been open about his desire to follow in the legendary footsteps of Nwankwo Kanu at Arsenal either.
“I really like Arsenal,” said the prolific Genk targetman Paul Onuachu last year.
“(Emmanuel) Adebayor, one of the players I admired most, played there. I really was a fan of him, as well as Kanu. I really love watching Arsenal too.”
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