View Full Version : Wenger: We almost signed Chelsea's Champions
Skizz
04 Oct 2006, 04:17 AM
"Claude Makelele was close to signing for us, Samuel Eto'o too, and I missed a few.
"I have been offered many players, like [Petr] Cech, who could have done well for us.
"Makelele was straight after Vieira came [August 1996], it was very early when he was still in Nantes, and Eto'o, just before he joined Barcelona [August 2004], it was between us and Barcelona"
Interesting...I wouldn't have minded Eto'o up front with Henry...one thing is for sure, if we signed Makelele we probably never would have signed Gilberto, and same goes for Lehmann/Cech.
Did we miss out?
Link (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=419923&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=3&title=Wenger:+Fergie+feud+has+calmed)
Dave_M
04 Oct 2006, 04:40 AM
"We nearly signed...."
Thats Spurs talk damnit it. Snap out of it!
Miles Brasher
04 Oct 2006, 04:54 AM
Interesting...I wouldn't have minded Eto'o up front with Henry...one thing is for sure, if we signed Makelele we probably never would have signed Gilberto, and same goes for Lehmann/Cech.
Did we miss out?
Link (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=419923&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=3&title=Wenger:+Fergie+feud+has+calmed)
The Cech possibility I knew about, wasn't the timing wrong weren't we too early or something ?
MJ-inBRITAIN
04 Oct 2006, 04:54 AM
Do you know what. I think that anyone thinking of going to Arsenal should read this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/5382632.stm
Gives a very good insight on Wenger and what he gives to younger players especially. Also bringing in modern sport diets etc.
Skizz
04 Oct 2006, 05:07 AM
"We nearly signed...."
Thats Spurs talk damnit it. Snap out of it!
I know, I know. It's just a bit surprising to think that Barcelona tried offering us a player we were interested in two years ago in exchance for arguably the world's best player. THEY are the ones who need to snap out of it!!
And Miles, I do recall something being said about Petr Cech. The reasons behind us not getting him I am unsure of, as far as I am aware he said he wanted another season at Rennes or something to "continue his football education". Then Chelsea nicked him at the end of the season.
RealMadGunner
05 Oct 2006, 03:27 AM
I think if i have to choose one player Wenger missed out on, i'd go for Eto ..
Just for his scoring ability and that was before we got Ade .. So i think he'd have done great for us .. But then again, no point crying over spilt beer .. I'm sure Wenger will get someone better than Cech or Eto ..
Silva 5
05 Oct 2006, 03:35 AM
I think if i have to choose one player Wenger missed out on, i'd go for Eto ..
Just for his scoring ability and that was before we got Ade .. So i think he'd have done great for us .. But then again, no point crying over spilt beer .. I'm sure Wenger will get someone better than Cech or Eto ..
gave me a nice chuckle..thank you
RealMadGunner
05 Oct 2006, 03:58 AM
gave me a nice chuckle..thank you
Its no laughing matter .. ;) ..
Back to topic, Cech was offered to Wenger (if i remember correctly) and i don't believe he rejected him. Maybe he was way too expensive for us ..
He's one more guy i wouldn't have minded at Arsenal .. No disrespect to Mad Jens, but Cech is more agile compared to Lehmann and still 24 (?!) ..
omariocosta
05 Oct 2006, 11:03 AM
The issue with Peter Cech was that he couldnt get a work permit at the time, when we were interested in him.
One year later Czech No 1 a few russian roubles and he was at chelski - and knowing Arsene he probably wouldnt have signed him with King Jens on the books especially after what happened to Richard Wright and Alex Manninger.
Peace!!
Achtung
05 Oct 2006, 11:49 AM
And Miles, I do recall something being said about Petr Cech. The reasons behind us not getting him I am unsure of, as far as I am aware he said he wanted another season at Rennes or something to "continue his football education". Then Chelsea nicked him at the end of the season.
Cech technically signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2004, but the two sides came to an agreement in January of that year, well before the end of the season. Who knows what goes on with half of their signings though.
tipsymcstaggers
05 Oct 2006, 11:52 AM
I would LOVE to have seen Eto play alongside Henry. Guy is a ton of fun to watch.
Naushad78
05 Oct 2006, 11:56 AM
I would LOVE to have seen Eto play alongside Henry. Guy is a ton of fun to watch.
Goal-scoring machines, those two.
OrlandoSPUR
05 Oct 2006, 12:03 PM
"We nearly signed...."
Thats Spurs talk damnit it. Snap out of it!
...:D I was thinking the same thing.............Rivaldo anyone? hows about nearly signing Torres :D
COYS!!!