Arsene Wenger has always been a keen follower of Barcelona's famed academy La Masia, and has poached some talented youngsters from the arguably the best academy in the world before.
Notably, Cesc Fabregas was poached from the Catalan club and went on to become an integral member of Arsenal's side, also playing his part in 'the invicibles' team of 03/04.
Interestingly enough, Messi could've been a part of that side too. In 2003 Wenger approached the Barcelona star with the promise of regular first team football in North London.
However the move wasn't meant to be. The transfer was fraught with work permit issues, and although Messi was interested in a move, it never came to fruition.
Messi wasn't the only Barca star Wenger wanted to bring to England. A certain Gerard Pique was on the Frenchman's shortlist, but the Spaniard was eventually snapped up Manchester United, before moving back to the Camp Nou a few years later.
The rest, they say, is history...
No comments:
Post a Comment