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Ronaldinho chooses Champions League dream team XI, including Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and three Chelsea legends

by Philippa Kaur 6 April 2023, 10:51

WHEN we think of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldinho certainly springs to mind.The Brazil legend, 43, enjoyed an illustrious career representing some of the biggest clubs in the world including Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ronaldinho’s all-time Champions League XI, revealed
He also enjoyed a successful international career, winning the World Cup and the Copa America with Brazil.
Ronaldinho’s influence on the pitch led him to claim several individual accolades including two Fifa The Best Men’s Player of the Year awards and the sought-after Ballon d’Or.
And to celebrate his outstanding legacy, we’ve taken a look back at his favourite all-time Champions League XI.
Picking the team back in 2015, the happy trickster couldn’t resist a strong Brazilian flavour.
Check out who makes the cut, and who doesn’t, below – with only one of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi named…
GK – Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon is the main man between the sticks for RonaldinhoCredit: EPA
QUITE possibly the greatest goalkeeper of all-time, Buffon is still going – back at his boyhood club Parma – at the age of 45.
Buffon has made 124 Champions League appearances, keeping 53 clean sheets in his glittering career.
But, incredibly he has never won the tournament.
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RB – Cafu
Cafu is Ronaldinho’s choice at right-backCredit: EPA
RONALDINHO’S former Brazil team-mate, Roma and AC Milan legend Cafu gets the nod at right-back.
He played 54 times in Europe’s elite competition across six seasons in Italy and won the title in 2006-07.CB – John Terry
John Terry starts in defence for Ronaldinho’s teamCredit: AP:Associated Press
JT played 109 times across 13 seasons in the Champions League – finally winning the title in 2010-11.
The England legend knows all about Ronaldinho too, having scored a late goal to cancel out the Brazilian’s stunning strike in the 2005 last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.
CB – Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini played for AC Milan for 25 yearsCredit: EPA
ARGUABLY the greatest centre-half to ever lace up a pair of boots, Maldini was famously the defender who “never tackled”.
Maldini played in EIGHT Champions League (and European Cup) finals – winning five – including bouncing back from losing the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005 to beat the same Liverpool side two years later.
LB – Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos gets the nod in Ronaldinho’s XI at left-backCredit: Getty – Contributor
ADDING to the Samba vibe is left-footed, free-kick god Roberto Carlos.
The Brazilian played 103 times in the Champions League with Real Madrid and Fenerbahce, winning twice with the LaLiga giants.
CM – Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard won the Champions League in 2010-11Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
THE second of three Chelsea players on the list, Lampard makes the cut over the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta – the Brazilian’s former Barcelona team-mates – in the team.
Lampard, now boss at Everton, played 105 times in the Champions League, winning the 2011-12 trophy to boot.CAM – Kaka
Kaka celebrates Champions League success in Athens in 2007Credit: Epa
MAKING the XI ahead of the likes of Zinedine Zidane is Brazilian tormentor Kaka
The attacking midfielder was at his peak in the mid-2000s, during his time at AC Milan and Real Madrid – but won just one title, the 2006-07 triumph.CM – Claude Makelele
Claude Makelele paved the way for the likes of N’Golo Kante to thriveCredit: Getty Images
BEFORE N’Golo Kante came on the scene, Makelele was the man making CDM sexy again – with the position even known as “The Makelele Role” to this day.
During his time at Chelsea and Real Madrid, the Frenchman played 84 times in the Champions League, winning the crown in 2001-02.
What Twitter thinks of Ronaldinho’s XI

“I see no Scholes/Gerrard, or even Rio.”
“Where is Xavi, Zidane? He is a Brazilian, that is why he put Kaka ahead of the great midfielders…”
“Gerrard for Lampard though… Gerrard was a machine in the Champions League.”
“Great line-up, but the fact that CR7 is not in either Henry or Ronaldo’s place…”
“Ooooft, name a current day team that could beat that line-up?!?”
“Oh Ronaldinho you missed your self over there. I’ll put you in place of Henry…”
“This team will beat any other team ever…”

RW – Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi with his third Champions League victory, won at Wembley in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
RONALDINHO assisted Messi for his first-ever professional goal – and the pair tore things up in Spain for years afterwards.
A man who needs no introduction, Messi has made 156 Champions League appearances to date, winning four titles across 18 seasons.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is now seeking his fifth title as PSG make another attempt to claim their first European trophy.ST – Ronaldo
Ronaldo never won the Champions League with Real MadridCredit: EPA
THE “original”, Brazilian Ronaldo makes the team in place of Cristiano…
Ronaldo played 40 times in the Champions League with Real Madrid and Barcelona, scoring 14 times but never winning the trophy…
Spent many years with Inter Milan, then in the Europa League.LW – Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry won the Champions League with Barcelona
FINISHING off the XI is Arsenal legend Henry.
The Gunners hero played 73 times in the Champions league, scoring 35 times – but never won the trophy with Arsenal, before finally winning towards the end of his career in Barcelona. More

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20 best football kits of all time, including England’s 1966 strip, Arsenal’s bruised banana and Nigeria’s 2018 design
by Philippa Kaur 9 November 2022, 11:01
CLASSIC football shirts are fashionable.Last summer, Euro 2020 fever gripped the nation, as millions of football fans rocked their favourite retro jerseys.
Are any of these three classic kits crowned the best ever?
And this season, up and down the country in the Premier League, we’ve seen fans in stands rocking old school jerseys of their teams rather than the more modern kits.
But which shirt is the best football kit of all-time?
BBC Sport went on a mission to find out just that, with the top 20 listed below.
Check out who makes the cut, in reverse order, starting with…
20. Mexico 1978
Cuellar and Sanchez sported big hair and clean-cut Levi’s jerseys in 1978
Echoing colours from the Mexican flag, Levi’s created this green, red and white masterpiece for the World Cup in 1978.
The deep colours and the long sleeves contrasted the massive barnets of the likes of Leonardo Cuellar and Hugo Sanchez beautifully.
A real blast from the past.19. Belgium 1984
Belgium wore a diamond-patterned jersey in 1984
Recently re-released by Adidas, the Belgium strip from 36 years ago was truly unique.
With a red background and diamonds sparkled across the chest in their national flag’s colours – red, gold and black – it was a real beaut.
A kit fit for a Golden Generation if they fancy bringing it back for the current first team…18. Colombia 1990
Who could forget Carlos Valderrama’s hair… and kit
This South American stunner was so popular they brought it back for the 2018 World Cup.
Who could forget the glistening yellow jerseys flowing underneath the huge hair – and short-shorts – of Carlos Valderrama?
Those little red and blue diagonal stripes, too…17. Barcelona 1997 away
You can’t think of Barca’s away jersey in 1997 without picturing Ronaldo
You know this one…
The sky-blue effort, with a single stripe of each club colour – deep blue and burgundy – running down the right-side and across the shoulders.
A lovely effort worth a reimagining…16. Cameroon 2002
Cameroon went sleeveless for a spell in 2002 – with Eto’o resorting to an undershirt
You know something’s impressive if it ends up being banned – think 1984 Air Jordans, sneaker-heads.
Sticking with the basketball theme, Cameroon – including Samuel Eto’o – once sported their SLEEVELESS jerseys.
They were deemed illegal and banned for life.15. England Women 2019
The Lionesses’ first-ever unique jerseys were a sight to behold
Last year, the Lionesses launched their very first unique kit – rather than wearing their own version of the men’s kit.
And both the home and away (white and red wine respectively) were absolute stunners.
Neat and uncluttered, they’ll go down in the history books as one of the best ever.14. Boca Juniors 1981
Everyone remembers this Boca Juniors classic from 1981
Think Diego Maradona…
The blue shirt with the thick yellow stripe running horizontally across is truly iconic.
Despite being nearly 40 years old, it’s still highly sought after by jersey collectors.13. Denmark 1986
Denmark debuted this jersey for their first-ever World Cup
Denmark reached their first-ever World Cup finals in 1986 with a talented squad including Michael Laudrup and celebrated with a shirt which divided opinion.
A “50-50” top was half block red and half light-red and white stripes – with the sleeves sporting the opposite pattern.12. Chelsea 1970
Chelsea reimagined the 1970 classic recently to mark the 50th anniversary of the FA Cup win
If you think you’ve seen this one recently, it’s because you have… sort of.
The West Londoners wore the simple, stunning blue and yellow shirt for the first time in 1970 as they won the FA Cup.
Chelsea paid homage to that kit 50 years on with a similar, reimagined version in the FA Cup.
11. England 1990
England’s two kits from Italia 90 were crackers – it’s just a shame about the result
In truth, both kits from 30 years ago at Italia 90 were absolute beauties.
The “away” blue, speckled kit is a cult classic, while the clean white with the navy blue collar is equally incredible.
There’s no way this kit wouldn’t have made the top ten if England had gone on to win in the year of Gazza’s tears.
10. Man Utd 1990 away
Man Utd sported this blue and white look in 1990
Same year and not too dissimilar in style to England’s away effort…
Man Utd’s blue and white patterned attempt is still seen out and about today amongst fans.
9. Ajax 1971
Ajax won three straight European Cups with this classic kit
White shirt with a thick, red, vertical stripe.
It’s a classic, isn’t it?
It’s the jersey that kicked it all off for the Dutch giants, as Ajax would go on to win THREE European Cup trophies in a row in this beaut of a football shirt.
8. Liverpool 1984
Liverpool clinched the 1984 European Cup with this red and white gem
Speaking of beautiful jerseys and winning the European Cup, here’s the Reds’ entry from 1984.
Classic red, sponsor less and sporting lovely thin stripes down the front – Liverpool are wearing a similar, reimagining of the jersey this season.
With the current Kop crop running amok in the Premier League, maybe it’s the real key to their powers…7. Arsenal 1991 away
The original bruised banana kit… enough said
The original bruised banana.
Arsenal have brought this back lately, but you can’t beat the original black and yellow zig zags.
Somehow doesn’t make the top five, though…
6. Celtic 1967
Celtic won the 1967 European Cup with this simple design
The Scottish giants incredibly went on to win the European Cup this year – and the kit will be remembered forever.
The simplest of green and yellow hoops, its classic, minimalist approach will go down in the history books forever.
They’ve rarely strayed away from this tried and tested kit since…
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5. Nigeria 2018
Nigeria took the world by storm with their 2018 masterpiece
So popular, this one sold out across the world within days of its release.
In the 2018 World Cup, Nigeria were suddenly everyone’s second team with its stunning light-green, black and white, patterned run-out.
An instant classic.4. England 1966 away
No England kit comes close to the 1966 red design
This was always going to be near the top, thanks to England’s one and only World Cup victory, on home soil no less.
The red, long-sleeved shirt was simple with its Three Lions across the chest.
If England ever want to see Harry Kane holding the trophy aloft a la Bobby Moore, they better get back to this beauty as soon as possible.3. West Germany 1990
West Germany’s kit in 1990 helped them win the World Cup
Yet another World Cup winners kit on the list, the German effort is a worthy podium-taker.
Arguably the nation’s most-famous effort ever, the white shirt with the flag’s colours – black, red and gold – edging their way across the chest was a lovely touch.2. Holland 1988
Holland won their first-ever piece of silverware in this stunning 1988 kit
If you don’t immediately know the one, think Marco van Basten’s sensational volley.
Holland finally won a trophy with this gorgeous, orange effort for a nation at the peak of their powers.1. Brazil 1970
The 1970 Brazil team have the best kit of all time, according to voters
And coming it an No1, it’s the iconic gold and blue of Brazil.
Quite possibly the best team any World Cup has ever seen, with the likes of Pele on the books, it’s easy to see why it sticks in the memory.
The flashes of green around the neck and arms on the home strip were a thing of beauty. More
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Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star’s best XI, including Aubameyang, Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas
by Philippa Kaur 4 November 2022, 12:22
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is the latest star to officially play for both Arsenal and Chelsea.The striker, 33, joined the Blues in a £10million transfer from Barcelona on deadline day, just eight months after leaving North London.
Arsenal and Chelsea combined XI
And on Sunday, he’s getting ready to face his old charges and settle a grudge with Mikel Arteta, who he reportedly fell out with.
From Petr Cech and Ashley Cole to Nicolas Anelka and Cesc Fabregas, those players could form a handy team of their own.
Check our combined best XI of players to have starred in both the red of Arsenal and blue of Chelsea… with Aubameyang jumping straight into the squad.
PETR CECH
CECH spent over a decade at Chelsea between 2004 and 2015, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2011-12 as well as nine other trophies.
But Cech, now 40, moved north to the Emirates – where he spent the final four years of his career – winning the FA Cup and two Community Shields.
He returned to Chelsea in 2019 to become technical director, but left in June after Todd Boehly took over the club.
LASSANA DIARRA
DIARRA joined Chelsea from Le Havre in 2005 – where he made just 13 Premier League appearances.
Diarra, 37, joined Arsenal two years later, where he last just one season, playing seven times before moving to Portsmouth… and then, bizarrely, Real Madrid.
He then played for several Russian sides and Marseille before ending his career at Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
DAVID LUIZ
LUIZ was a surprise deadline day arrival for Arsenal in 2019 when he arrived in an £8m move from Chelsea.
The Brazilian, 35, spent six years at Stamford Bridge across two spells at the club – but left after being told he would not be an automatic starter.
He left Arsenal last summer after his contract expired and now plays back home for Flamengo.
WILLIAM GALLAS
ANOTHER to move straight from Chelsea to Arsenal, Gallas earned cult hero status at the Blues between 2001 and 2006 – having first joined before Roman Abramovich’s cash injection.
The Frenchman, 45, played 159 league games for the Blues and featured over 100 times for the Gunners too.
But his London tour didn’t stop there, with Gallas then spending three years at Tottenham before retiring in 2014.
ASHLEY COLE
ARGUABLY the most controversial Arsenal to Chelsea mover, Cole spent a decade at Highbury having worked his way through their youth ranks.
After 159 games at Arsenal, Cole, 41, went on to have success at Chelsea, playing 229 Premier League matches – winning one title, to go with his two from the Gunners.
Cole is looked at fondly by Blues supporters, but less so by Arsenal who never got over his betrayal.
Cole is now a first-team coach under Frank Lampard at Everton.
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DAVID ROCASTLE
THE Lewisham-born star spent ten years at Arsenal, having worked his way through their youth ranks.
After leaving, Rocastle played for Leeds and Manchester City, before heading to Chelsea where he spent a further four years towards the end of his career.
Rocastle sadly passed away at the age of 33 in March 2001, just a month after revealing he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
EMMANUEL PETIT
SPENDING three years apiece at the two clubs, either side of a season at Barcelona, Petit became a cult icon at both teams.
The 1998 World Cup winner, 51, won a Premier League crown with Arsenal – as well as an FA Cup and two Charity Shields – as it was then known.
Petit retired in 2005 and is now a pundit.
CESC FABREGAS
SIMILARLY to Petit, Fabregas left Arsenal for Barcelona, before heading to Chelsea – much to Gooners’ annoyance.
Fab, 35, spent eight years at the Gunners, racking up over 200 league appearances, before returning to England three years later, where he spent five seasons at Chelsea, playing 138 Prem games.
He is now playing for Serie B side Como having made the switch from Monaco in August.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Aubameyang joined Chelsea on deadline day
AUBAMEYANG joined Arsenal on deadline day in January 2018 for a then-club-record fee of £56m.
He went on to score 92 goals in 163 appearances for the Gunners and also won the FA Cup, Community Shield and a golden boot.
But, after being banished from the first team following a series of disciplinary breaches last year, his contract was terminated in January.
Barcelona were then able to snatch him up in a free transfer on deadline day.
Aubameyang went on to score 13 goals in 24 appearances for the LaLiga giants before returning to London to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
However, now he must ply his trade under new boss Graham Potter following Tuchel’s sacking.
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NICOLAS ANELKA
HAVING played for so many clubs, it’s hardly a surprise Anelka played for both Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Gunners were the French talent’s first English club, where he scored 23 goals in 65 games, before moving to Chelsea over a decade later, scoring 38 times in 125 matches across four seasons.
The 43-year-old also played for Man City, Liverpool, Bolton and West Brom.
Anelka is now Sporting Director of French second division side Hyères.
OLIVIER GIROUD
ARSENAL fans were disappointed when Giroud left them after six years and 73 Premier League goals.
The striker, 35, enjoyed ups and downs at Stamford Bridge but went on to win the Europa League… defeating the Gunners in the 2019 final.
He left England after winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 for a new adventure in Serie A with AC Milan.
Giroud has scored 22 goals so far for the Italians, who are the reigning Serie A champions. More
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Seven Arsenal wonderkids who flopped and never made the grade at the Gunners including Chris Willock and Fran Merida
by Philippa Kaur 30 September 2022, 14:00
BUKAYO SAKA and Eddie Nketiah are just two players that have made the transition from the Arsenal academy to the first team look easy in recent years.The Gunners also have the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe that have graduated from Hale End.
Former Arsenal academy graduate Hector Bellerin and current star Eddie Nketiah made the transition to the first teamCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
Chris Willock was tipped to shine at Arsenal after starring at youth levelCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mikel Arteta has followed in the footsteps of George Graham, Arsene Wenger and even Unai Emery in putting his faith in the club’s young players.
But while a number of Arsenal academy graduates have gone on to become world class stars, others though have failed to live up to the hype.
Here SunSport looks at seven Arsenal ‘wonderkids’ that ultimately failed to make the grade in North London.
CHRIS WILLOCK
Brother of now Newcastle ace Joe, the 24-year-old was tipped for great success after chipping in with nine goals and nine assists in 40 games for the U23’s.
The winger made two appearances for the club during the 2016/17 season – both coming in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest and Reading respectively. But he failed to prove his worth to Wenger, who sold him to Benfica in 2017.
And after failing to make a senior appearance for the Portuguese outfit, Willock spent time on loan at West Brom and Huddersfield before joining QPR in October 2020.
FRAN MERIDA
Signed from Barcelona in 2005, the Spanish midfielder broke into the first team during the 2007-08 season, featuring three times before joining Real Sociedad on loan.
Four appearances for Arsenal followed in the next campaign, with nine outings in the 2009-10 term, including an emphatic long-range strike in the League Cup win against Liverpool.
He even found the back of the net in a Premier League victory over Bolton, but impatience got the better of him, and he turned down a new deal to join Atletico Madrid in 2010.
It would be a decision he would later regret as he failed to settle at Atletico, with the player linking up with Braga, Hercules, Atletico Paranaense and Huesca over the next six years.
Merida, 32, enjoyed success at Osasuna from 2016, before returning to Catalonia to join Espanyol in 2020.
Today, he plays for Chinese club Tianjin Jinmen Tiger
Fran Merida celebrates after scoring from distance in the win against Liverpool in 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
CARLOS VELA
The Mexican international, 33, burst on the scene in the 2008-09 season where he scored a hat-trick on his full debut against Sheffield United in the League Cup.
Over the next three campaigns he would be limited to just starts in the League Cup and appearances off the bench in the league.
After 11 goals in 62 games, he linked up with Real Sociedad in 2011, where he scored 73 times in 250 outings.
And it is only since joining Los Angeles FC in 2018 that he has finally lived up to the hype, as he has scored an incredible 78 goals in 133 MLS games.
Mexican international Carlos Vela dazzled Gunners fans with his displays in the League CupCredit: Reuters
ARTURO LUPOLI
The Italian striker, now 35, joined Arsenal from Parma in 2004 off the back of scoring 45 goals in 22 games for the Serie A side’s U17 team.
And he maintained his goalscoring exploits the following campaign as he banged in 27 goals for the Gunners’ youth side.
He even managed to feature four times for the first team during the 2004-05 term, where he scored twice against Everton in the League Cup.
A solitary goal was all he could muster the next season, before he was loaned to Derby in 2006, where he scored seven goals in 35 league games.
Lupoli joined Fiorentina in 2007 but never played a game for La Viola, and he went on to play for 13 different clubs since that move.
He joined Serie C side Virtus Verona in 2019 for a season, then fourth division Montegiorgio. He’s now at Borgo San Donnino, also fourth division.
Italian striker Arturo Lupoli was a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association
WELLINGTON SILVA
The Brazilian winger, now 29, never made a senior appearance for Arsenal despite joining in 2010.
Wenger regularly lauded his talents, but until the 2015-16 term, he failed to obtain the necessary work permit in order to play in England.
That year he joined Bolton on loan, and after failing to nail down a starting spot, he opted to move back to Brazil in 2016 with Fluminense.
He then went on loan to Internacional but headed to Japanese club Gamba Osaka last year.
Former Bolton loanee Wellington Silva left Arsenal without making a first team appearanceCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
GEDION ZELALEM
The midfielder – who has represented both Germany and America at youth level – made his debut in 2014 at the age of 16.
In doing so, he became the first player born after Wenger took charge of Arsenal in 1996 to don the famous red jersey.
Injuries stifled the 25-year-old’s chances in the first team and he was sent off on loan to Rangers and VVV-Venlo.
A knee injury in 2017 kept him out for two years, and he briefly plied his trade at MLS side New York City but was made a free agent in December – however he and the club did agree a new one-year last year, and he’s still there.
Gedion Zelalem was tipped to become the ‘next Cesc Fabregas’ at the EmiratesCredit: Getty – Contributor
DAVID BENTLEY
He may have scored a sensational strike against Arsenal for Tottenham, but it was with the Gunners that the ex-England international made his name.
The 37-year-old was likened to Dennis Bergkamp after his cheeky chip against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup in January 2004.
But that was the high point of his Arsenal career, and after nine first team appearances, he was sold to Blackburn in 2006.
Despite dazzling at Ewood Park, he flattered to deceive at Spurs, and after loan spells away, he retired in 2014 at the age of 29.
David Bentley’s chip against Middlesbrough was the highlight of his Arsenal careerCredit: Reuters
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Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and the best XI ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried and failed to sign
by Philippa Kaur 9 September 2022, 11:00
ARSENE WENGER endured an up-and-down time as Arsenal manager.During his 22 years at the club, he led the side to an unprecedented period of success – including the 2003-04 Invincibles campaign.
But he lost the fans towards the end as results suffered on the pitch, the squad fell apart and he failed to replace leaving stars in the transfer market.
It wasn’t necessarily for a lack of trying, with Wenger linked to a host of star names down the years.
However, more often than not, the former Gunners chief missed out – and we’ve compiled a best XI of players he tired and failed to sign.
Goalkeeper — Gianluigi Buffon
Juventus star Gianluigi Buffon lines up in goalCredit: Getty Images
Even at 44 years of age, Italian legend Gigi Buffon is still going strong after returning to boyhood club Parma in 2021.
Although it was always hard to imagine the World Cup winner lining up for any other side, back in 2011 it looked as though the veteran stopper could leave the Serie A giants and Arsenal weighed up a move.
Buffon was also thought to favour London should he leave Italy for England, but a transfer never got off the ground and he remained in Turin.
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Defender – Gerard Pique
Barcelona ace Gerard Pique is one of three centre-backsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Wenger wanted to bring La Masia product Gerard Pique to North London at the same time as Cesc Fabregas, and was incredibly close to doing so before a failed work permit scuppered the deal.
Arsenal instead signed Philippe Senderos from Servette, while Pique joined Manchester United a year later.
Defender — Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany won the Premier League four times during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
The four-time Premier League champion may have consistently struggled with injuries in his final years as a player, but for a time Kompany was one of the best central defenders in Europe.
Arsenal almost signed the Belgium international from his first club Anderlecht, who he now manages, but Wenger didn’t want to part with the £5million transfer fee.
Hindsight doesn’t reflect well on that particular bit of prudence.
Defender — Raphael Varane
Arsene Wenger also missed out on signing current Manchester United defender Raphael Varane
Frenchman Varane is easily one of the planet’s top defenders, with the player swapping Real Madrid for Manchester United in the summer.
The Gunners had scouted the young defender during his time with Lens – and failed to bring him to the Emirates.
In 2013, Wenger revealed: “He was at Lens, and we might well have caught him there.”
Central midfielder — N’Golo Kante
Chelsea star N’Golo Kante takes his place in midfieldCredit: Getty Images
Wenger once admitted he enquired about France star N’Golo Kante before the France international moved to Chelsea from Leicester.
However, it was the club’s failure to sign the player during his time in Ligue 1 that gets him onto this list.
The club looked into a move for the energetic midfielder before the Foxes snapped him up for just £5.6m — a paltry sum for a player who has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League and World Cup.
Central midfielder — Yaya Toure
Manchester City icon Yaya Toure was targeted by the Gunners as a youngsterCredit: Getty Images
Kolo Toure is a legend at Arsenal, and his younger brother Yaya could have well ended up at Highbury aged 20.
The then-K.S.K. Beveren youngster was close to joining up with his older sibling in London – even playing in a pre-season friendly for the Gunners – only to be declined a work permit, leading to Wenger abandoning the deal.
Given the success the Ivorian enjoyed at Barcelona and City, it may well have been worth showing a bit more patience.
Left winger — Gareth Bale
Ex-Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale was another played that was eyed up by Arsenal
Arsenal were monitoring the progress of Welsh superstar Bale at the same time as Theo Walcott while the pair were at Southampton.
But in the end only Walcott made the switch to the Emirates — with Bale ending up at north London rivals Tottenham.
The former Real Madrid man started his career as a left-back, and as Wenger already had Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy filling that position, the club never followed through with their interest.
Wenger has since admitted not signing Bale was “a huge mistake”. Yep.
Right winger — Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was linked with a switch to North London when he was at Sporting Lisbon
The 37-year-old might have lit up the Emirates before moving to Old Trafford had it not been for a friendly match between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United in 2003.
A young Ronaldo had been shown around Arsenal’s London Colney training complex, while a £4m deal was agreed for the then-18-year-old forward.
But after the skilful youngster gave the United defence the run-around in a preseason friendly, Sir Alex Ferguson made sure the Portuguese star headed to Manchester.
Attacking midfielder — Lionel Messi
Barcelona legend and current PSG star Lionel Messi could have joined Arsenal
Arsenal could’ve had not only one, but both of the world’s best players in their starting XI had Lionel Messi opted to leave Catalonia for England along with pals Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas.
The Gunners had offered the Argentine a contract at the end of the 2002-03 season, but the teenager chose to remain with his boyhood club at 16 and, well, you know the rest.
Striker — Luis Suarez
Ex-Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez was targeted by Arsenal during his Liverpool days
When Arsenal offered a transfer bid of £1 over Luis Suarez’s £40m release clause, the Uruguayan looked set to make the move south.
The player himself was even reportedly keen on the idea of playing for the Gunners.
However, Liverpool viewed the offer with derision, and decided against selling their star striker, despite Arsenal having met the clause.
The following season Suarez’s 31 goals almost led the Anfield club to the Premier League title, before making a £75m move to Barcelona.
Striker — Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is another player that got away for Arsenal
Considering the impact Zlatan had on the Premier League at the age of 35 with Man Utd, who knows what a hard time the Swede would’ve given defences had he arrived to these shores at a younger age.
Arsenal had the chance to find out when they came close to signing the then 19-year-old Ibrahimovic while he was still at Malmo, but the striker didn’t respond well to being asked to play in a trial match.
The player later admitted he responded to that by saying: “No way, Zlatan doesn’t do auditions.”The Bench
Petr Cech and Didier Drogba are both on the benchCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Goalkeeper — Petr Cech
The Czech Republic stopper may have finally played for Arsenal in his career, but Wenger had the chance to sign a younger, less error-prone Cech from Rennes in 2004.
Defender — Roberto Carlos
Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos had claimed to be keen on a move to the Emirates after his contract with Real Madrid expired in 2007, but he ended up at Fenerbahce instead.
Midfielder — Xabi Alonso
Bizarrely enough considering the career he went on to have with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, there was a time when it looked as though Xabi Alonso would be shown the door at Anfield in favour of Gareth Barry, and a £15m switch to Arsenal seemed to be on the cards in 2009.
The deal falling through left Fabregas infuriated.
Midfielder — Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria struggled to live up to his £59.7m price tag for United, but he would’ve found it easier to justify the amount Arsenal could have paid for him at 17 — nothing.
Again, failure to secure a work permit scuppered the deal.
Striker — Didier Drogba
Wenger revealed in 2009 that he passed up the opportunity to sign Didier Drogba from Le Mans for £100,000, but the Arsenal boss wasn’t convinced the then 24-year-old striker was ready. More
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Best XI stars to play for both Arsenal and Chelsea including Aubameyang, Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas
by Philippa Kaur 3 September 2022, 12:22
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has become the latest star to officially play for both Arsenal and Chelsea.The striker, 33, joined the Blues in a £10million transfer from Barcelona on deadline day, just eight months after leaving North London.
Arsenal and Chelsea combined XI
From Petr Cech and Ashley Cole to Nicolas Anelka and Cesc Fabregas, those players could form a handy team of their own.
Check our combined best XI of players to have starred in both the red of Arsenal and blue of Chelsea… with Aubameyang jumping straight into the squad.
PETR CECH
CECH spent over a decade at Chelsea between 2004 and 2015, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2011-12 as well as nine other trophies.
But Cech, now 40, moved north to the Emirates – where he spent the final four years of his career – winning the FA Cup and two Community Shields.
He returned to Chelsea in 2019 to become technical director, but left in June after Todd Boehly took over the club.
LASSANA DIARRA
DIARRA joined Chelsea from Le Havre in 2005 – where he made just 13 Premier League appearances.
Diarra, 37, joined Arsenal two years later, where he last just one season, playing seven times before moving to Portsmouth… and then, bizarrely, Real Madrid.
He then played for several Russian sides and Marseille before ending his career at Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
DAVID LUIZ
LUIZ was a surprise deadline day arrival for Arsenal in 2019 when he arrived in an £8m move from Chelsea.
The Brazilian, 35, spent six years at Stamford Bridge across two spells at the club – but left after being told he would not be an automatic starter.
He left Arsenal last summer after his contract expired and now plays back home for Flamengo.
WILLIAM GALLAS
ANOTHER to move straight from Chelsea to Arsenal, Gallas earned cult hero status at the Blues between 2001 and 2006 – having first joined before Roman Abramovich’s cash injection.
The Frenchman, 45, played 159 league games for the Blues and featured over 100 times for the Gunners too.
But his London tour didn’t stop there, with Gallas then spending three years at Tottenham before retiring in 2014.
ASHLEY COLE
ARGUABLY the most controversial Arsenal to Chelsea mover, Cole spent a decade at Highbury having worked his way through their youth ranks.
After 159 games at Arsenal, Cole, 41, went on to have success at Chelsea, playing 229 Premier League matches – winning one title, to go with his two from the Gunners.
Cole is looked at fondly by Blues supporters, but less so by Arsenal who never got over his betrayal.
Cole is now a first-team coach under Frank Lampard at Everton.
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DAVID ROCASTLE
THE Lewisham-born star spent ten years at Arsenal, having worked his way through their youth ranks.
After leaving, Rocastle played for Leeds and Manchester City, before heading to Chelsea where he spent a further four years towards the end of his career.
Rocastle sadly passed away at the age of 33 in March 2001, just a month after revealing he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
EMMANUEL PETIT
SPENDING three years apiece at the two clubs, either side of a season at Barcelona, Petit became a cult icon at both teams.
The 1998 World Cup winner, 51, won a Premier League crown with Arsenal – as well as an FA Cup and two Charity Shields – as it was then known.
Petit retired in 2005 and is now a pundit.
CESC FABREGAS
SIMILARLY to Petit, Fabregas left Arsenal for Barcelona, before heading to Chelsea – much to Gooners’ annoyance.
Fab, 35, spent eight years at the Gunners, racking up over 200 league appearances, before returning to England three years later, where he spent five seasons at Chelsea, playing 138 Prem games.
He is now playing for Serie B side Como having made the switch from Monaco in August.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
Aubameyang joined Chelsea on deadline day
AUBAMEYANG joined Arsenal on deadline day in January 2018 for a then-club-record fee of £56m.
He went on to score 92 goals in 163 appearances for the Gunners and also won the FA Cup, Community Shield and a golden boot.
But, after being banished from the first team following a series of disciplinary breaches last year, his contract was terminated in January.
Barcelona were then able to snatch him up in a free transfer on deadline day.
Aubameyang went on to score 13 goals in 24 appearances for the LaLiga giants before returning to London to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
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NICOLAS ANELKA
HAVING played for so many clubs, it’s hardly a surprise Anelka played for both Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Gunners were the French talent’s first English club, where he scored 23 goals in 65 games, before moving to Chelsea over a decade later, scoring 38 times in 125 matches across four seasons.
The 43-year-old also played for Man City, Liverpool, Bolton and West Brom.
Anelka is now Sporting Director of French second division side Hyères.
OLIVIER GIROUD
ARSENAL fans were disappointed when Giroud left them after six years and 73 Premier League goals.
The striker, 35, enjoyed ups and downs at Stamford Bridge but went on to win the Europa League… defeating the Gunners in the 2019 final.
He left England after winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 for a new adventure in Serie A with AC Milan.
Giroud has scored 15 goals so far for the Italians, who are the reigning Serie A champions. More
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What happened to Arsene Wenger’s ‘best ever’ group of Arsenal kids 13 years on including Wilshere, Frimpong and Coquelin
by Philippa Kaur 19 August 2022, 10:00
ARSENE WENGER once hailed his Arsenal class of 2008 as his best-ever group of youngsters.Wenger’s teenage Gunners were supposed to be the next big thing after a 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United in the League Cup that year.
What happened to Arsene Wenger’s top teens of 2008?Credit: PA:Press Association
But where are they now?
And did they go on to have successful careers?
Here, SunSport takes a look at Arsenal’s talented teens of 2008.
KIERAN GIBBS
Kieran Gibbs suffered relegation from the Premier League with West Brom last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
THE left-back joined Arsenal from Wimbledon in 2004 and went on to play 230 times for the Gunners, winning two FA Cups in the process.
Gibbs, now 32, also won ten England caps, was eventually shipped off to West Brom in 2017 and remained a Baggies player until they suffered relegation in May.
He has now moved to America to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
MARK RANDALL
Mark Randall is playing in Northern IrelandCredit: Rex Features
STARTING his Arsenal career in 2001, the midfielder only ever made a total of 13 senior appearances for the Gunners.
Randall, 32, left in 2011 after loans at Burnley, MK Dons and Rotherham, playing for the likes of Chesterfield, Ascoli, Barnet, Newport County, Crawley Town and Hemel Hempstead.
He now plays for Larne in Northern Ireland, and his sole piece of silverware came at Chesterfield with the 2012 Football League Trophy.
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Henri Lansbury left Bristol City for Luton Town this summerCredit: Getty
HENRI LANSBURY
THE midfielder was signed by the Gunners in 1999 and enjoyed loan spells at Scunthorpe, Watford, Norwich and West Ham.
Despite being an England Under-21s regular, Lansbury only played eight times for the Gunners.
However, the 31-year-old made a huge impression in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and was in his fourth season with Premier League side Aston Villa until he left for Bristol City on a free transfer in January.
He has now joined Luton Town.
AARON RAMSEY
Aaron Ramsey now plays for Serie A club JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
THE Wales international started at Cardiff City before joining Arsenal at the start of the 2008-09 season.
Ramsey went on to be a huge hit at the Emirates, playing 369 times and winning three FA Cups.
However, Arsenal allowed the 31-year-old to leave on a free transfer in July 2019 and Ramsey now plays for Italian champions Juventus and featured for Wales at Euro 2020.
Ramsey has been linked with moves back to England, including with newly-rich Newcastle.
FRAN MERIDA
Fran Merida looked set to be a big star for Arsenal but it never quite worked outCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
POACHED from Barcelona’s academy in 2005, big things were expected of the playmaker after a successful loan at Real Sociedad.
But Merida, 32, made just 16 appearances for Arsenal and was shipped off to Atletico Madrid in 2010.
Merida went on to play for Braga, Hercules, Atletico Paranaense, Huesca and Osasuna, Espanyol before joining Chinese side Tianjin Jinmen Tiger FC as a free agent.
FRANCIS COQUELIN
Francis Coquelin is playing for Villarreal in SpainCredit: EPA
JOINED Arsenal’s academy in 2008 before taking in loans at Lorient, Freiburg and Charlton Athletic.
The defensive midfielder, 31, was a popular player at Arsenal, making 160 appearances and winning two FA Cups.
But he was shipped off to Spanish giants Valencia in 2017 before completing a move to Villarreal a year ago.
Coquelin tasted Europa League joy in May when they beat Manchester United on penalties to secure the trophy.
JACK WILSHERE
THE ex-England star linked up with Arsenal in 2001 and made 197 appearances while landing two FA Cups.
Wilshere, 30, won the PFA Young Player of the Year and Arsenal’s Player of the Year in 2011.
But his progress was severely halted by injury, resulting in a loan spell at Bournemouth before being moving on a free to West Ham in 2018.
Wilshere cancelled his contract by mutual consent in October 2020 and moved back to the Cherries in January but was released after they missed out on Championship promotion via the play-offs.
He had been training with Arsenal – and helping Per Mertesacker in the academy – before completing a heartwarming return back to his club as a coach.
CARLOS VELA
Carlos Vela is starring in the MLS with Los Angeles FCCredit: Getty – Contributor
LEFT Mexico for Arsenal in 2005 and ended up making 62 appearances while also enjoying loan spells at Salamanca, Osasuna, West Brom and Real Sociedad.
The 33-year-old joined the Spaniards permanently in 2012 and went on to score 73 goals in 250 appearances.
Vela is now playing for MLS side Los Angeles FC and is the club captain.
JAY EMMANUEL-THOMAS
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas now stars for Scottish top flight side LivingstonCredit: Michael Schofield – The Sun Glasgow
STARTED off at Arsenal in 2008 but only ever made five senior appearances.
He ended up representing Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers, Cardiff, Ipswich, Bristol City, QPR, MK Dons and Gillingham before going off the radar in 2017.
Emmanuel-Thomas, 31, then re-emerged last year with Thai side PTT Rayong before completing a move to Scottish Premiership side Livingston and then penning a two-year contract at Aberdeen.
He now plays for Indian Super League club Jamshedpur.
ABU OGOGO
Abu Ogogo is now a regular at Bristol RoversCredit: Getty – Contributor
THE midfielder left Wimbledon for Arsenal in 2004 but never made a senior appearance despite featuring on the bench twice in the League Cup.
He ended up starring for Dagenham & Redbridge, making 253 appearances before playing at Shrewsbury Town and Coventry City.
Ogogo, 32, then went to Bristol Rovers and enjoyed a loan return to Dagenham before recently signing a 12-month deal with National league Southend.
EMMANUEL FRIMPONG
Emmanuel Frimpong retired in 2019 due to persistent knee injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
STARTED at Arsenal in 2001 and played a grand total of 16 times while also enjoying loans at Wolves, Charlton and Fulham.
The one-cap ex-Ghana international had a brief spell at Barnsley before spending time in Russia with Ufa and Arsenal Tula.
Frimpong also turned out for Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna, and his last club was Cypriot outfit Ermis Aradippou in 2017 before retiring in March 2019 aged just 27. More
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Arsenal: All Or Nothing – release dates CONFIRMED: How to watch Amazon Prime Video documentary for free
by Philippa Kaur 20 July 2022, 07:21
ARSENAL fans are in store for a treat this summer with the release of their All Or Nothing documentary.The critically-acclaimed series will show behind the scenes footage of what has already been a memorable 2021/22 season – from the Nottingham Forest humbling to the departure of ex-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lost the captaincy in controversial circumstances
The likes of Man City, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all had the fly-on-the-wall style docuseries track their progress for a season.
And Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has suggested it may even be “too much” for some players.
Henry told Prime Video: “For the fans it’s amazing to see what is happening behind closed doors.
“For some players it may be too much.
“But I think it’s good for people on the outside to have an insight.
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Arsenal.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ARSENAL 5 EVERTON 1 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Too little, too late as Gunners’ final romp not enough for top four
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“Thank God they didn’t have that when I was playing… it would’ve certainly been entertaining.”
When is All Or Nothing: Arsenal released?
Arsenal and Amazon have confirmed that the hugely-anticipated doc will be released on Thursday, August 4, 2022.
Cameras will follow the Gunners around this season providing brand new insight into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Amazon have also announced the staggered release of the episodes:
Episodes 1-3 – Thursday August 4
Episodes 4-6 – Thursday August 11
Episodes 7-8 – Thursday August 18
How can I watch All Or Nothing: Arsenal?
All Or Nothing: Arsenal will be shown on Amazon Prime Video.
Amazon Prime Video typically costs £7.99 a month, but can be watched for free by grabbing a 30-day Amazon Prime trial.
You can cancel at any time during the month-long trial and Amazon Prime Video is available to stream on your mobile, tablet, TV or games console.
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Arsenal started their campaign with a loss at Brentford
What have they said?
Mark Gonnella – Arsenal’s media and communications director – said: “We are looking forward to giving our fans around the world a unique insight into how we work day to day.
“We have one of the biggest global followings in the game and one consistent thing we hear from fans is their desire to see more about what happens behind closed doors at the club.
“All or Nothing will give our fans and sport lovers an opportunity to learn more about what makes Arsenal such a special club, our trophy laden history and our ambitions for future success.”
Dan Grabiner, Amazon’s head of UK originals, added: “Arsenal is an historic club going through a fascinating period – and we can’t wait to take viewers behind-the-scenes on the journey of this crucial season.
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Ex-Arsenal transfer chief reveals why club made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, even though there was NO release clause
by Philippa Kaur 16 July 2022, 09:00
ARSENAL’S former transfer chief Dick Law revealed why the club made their infamous £40million and £1 bid for Luis Suarez.The Uruguay international looked set to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013 after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Luis Suarez was heavily linked with a switch from Liverpool to Arsenal in summer 2013Credit: PA:Press Association
The now 35-year-old had a clause in his contract with the Reds that they had to inform him of any transfer bid if it was more than £40m.
And Law insisted that Arsenal were always aware the figure was not a buy-out clause and they simply added the extra pound to kick-start negotiations.
But Liverpool owner John W. Henry took offence to the offer and, after it was publicised, he tweeted: “What do you think they’re smoking over there?”
Suarez ended up remaining at Anfield for another season where he was named PFA Player of the Year before sealing a £75m move to Barcelona.
Several years later and the striker was available for a nominal fee, leaving Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2020, where he won the LaLiga title.
The Gunners’ then-transfer guru Law would later explain that the North London side had never wanted to antagonise their Premier League rivals.
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Speaking to Goal, he said: “That spring, news got round to us that Suarez wanted out of Liverpool.
“We knew that we had to exceed a certain threshold and so we decided to throw another pound on it.
“We could have thrown £50 or £500,000, but it wasn’t going to make any difference to the final negotiation.
“The offer was just a trigger. Liverpool wanted to make a big deal out of it and that’s fine. When they received our offer they immediately publicised it.
“I think John Henry wanted to know what we were smoking, which I thought was a bit disrespectful.
“It was him having a bit of a go because he was getting ready to lose his star player. It was a good way to deflect attention.
“I always thought that the move to publicise it was counter-productive.
“One of the things we were always very proud of at Arsenal was working quietly behind the scenes. Ivan [Gazidis], Arsene [Wenger] and I always worked very hard on being discreet in all transfers.
“And I thought Liverpool shot themselves in the foot by basically saying they were now forced to entertain offers because of this clause, by publicising it they just made everyone aware and eventually they lost the player.”
Liverpool wanted to make a big deal out of it. I think John Henry wanted to know what we were smoking, which I thought was a bit disrespectful.Dick Law
Arsenal’s transfer fixer at the time Dick Law has lifted the lid on the Gunners pursuitCredit: Rex Features
Liverpool owner John W Henry infamously asked ‘what do you think they’re smoking at the Emirates’Credit: PA:Press Association
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Ex-Arsenal transfer chief reveals why club made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, even though there was NO release clause

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