Arsene Wenger's 'Nearly Signed' XI: Active players who almost played for Arsenal

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic did actually get the Arsenal shirt but never wore it again

Europe’s quintessential journeyman striker almost moved to England more than a decade before he signed for Manchester United in 2016. Back in 2000, when the Swedish striker was making a name for himself at Ajax, he had arrived in north London as a move to Arsenal looked very much on the cards.

But the move was never completed. At the time, Ibrahimovic was incensed that he needed to go through a trial to see if he could fit into Wenger’s plans. Of course, he did not take it lightly.

“Arsene gave me the famous red and white jersey – the no.9 shirt with Ibrahimovic on it and I was so pleased I even posed for a picture wearing it. It was a fantastic moment for me.

“So then I waited for him to convince me that I should join Arsenal. But he didn't even try. He never actually made me a serious offer, it was more, 'I want to see how good you are, what kind of player you are. Have a trial'.

“I couldn't believe it. I was like, ‘No way, Zlatan doesn't do auditions’.” – Ibrahimovic

At the time, the young striker was considered to be arrogant and many felt the club were better off without him. Now, 13 league titles in four different countries say otherwise. Who knows, both club and player would have been a perfect match – having never won the Champions League and all.