Arsenal have not had the best of luck in their transfer dealings in recent years.
After emerging from the summer transfer window with few, if any, gaps in their squad, Arsenal fans will have been ecstatic with Arsene Wenger’s transfer dealings. However, it hasn’t always been that easy, as Gooners will know only too well.
With the transfer window opening in less than two months, let’s take a look at the ones that got away in recent years for Arsenal.
Gonzalo Higuain
Everything seemed to be set for Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain to complete his move to Arsenal, as reported by the Guardian. Indeed, the only thing lacking was a medical as the then-Real Madrid hitman was ready to put pen to paper on a three-year deal. That was until the Gunners turned their attention to Luis Suarez and Napoli snuck in the back door with a big bid for the Madrid striker.
Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring the second goal for Napoli
Luis Suarez
On the subject of Suarez, this transfer calamity came directly after the Higuain debacle. After tabling a bid of £40,000,001 in order to activate a clause they believed to be there, it soon became apparent that Liverpool would not be dancing to Arsene Wenger’s tune. Despite the Uruguayan being desperate to leave, he remained an almost won the Reds the title in 2013/14.
Picture Supplied by Action Images – Brendan Rodgers and Luis Suarez at Liverpool
Julian Draxler
Yet another one from the ill-fated 2013/14 season. Despite Wenger’s disdain for the January transfer window, he attempted to take the opportunity to sign Schalke 04’s Julian Draxler in the final days of the window, the Guardian reported. However, with the Gelsenkirchen side not willing to sell and the reported £37m release clause too high, the deal collapsed and he remained with the German giants.
Germany’s Julian Draxler celebrates after scoring their third goal
Jamie Vardy
One of the most surprising sagas of the 2016 summer transfer window was that of Jamie Vardy’s proposed move to Arsenal. Having moved quickly to secure his signature before Euro 2016, Arsenal never received the call and, having been justifiably confident, were left disappointed as Vardy stayed at Leicester.
Alexandre Lacazette
Signing a striker this summer was intolerable, and was epitomised by Arsenal’s interest in Alexandre Lacazette. Having bid in the region of £30m, they were soon knocked back with a demand of £60m for a player who has achieved limited success in Ligue 1. The asking price was simply too much, forcing Arsenal to baulk.
Juventus Andrea Barzagli in action with Olympique Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette
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