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

Centre Back: Vincent Kompany

Kompany was an Arsenal target before he joined Manchester City

In the last few seasons, Wenger struggled to find a defender who could lead from the back and Vincent Kompany was one of the true leaders who captained Manchester City to two league titles. When Campbell needed to be replaced, a young Kompany was identified as the man to take his spot. But Wenger dithered and he eventually wound up at Hamburg.

“I had meetings at Real Madrid, the club leaders at Barcelona and by Arsene Wenger himself at Arsenal. But heading to an absolute top club immediately was not the right solution because Vincent is someone who feels alone in an environment where he is not properly valued.

“Vincent is not a third or fourth choice. In Hamburg that was not the case.” – Kompany’s agent Jacques Lichtenstein.

A rock at the back before injuries debilitated him in recent months, the Belgian was a no-nonsense centre-back who diligently went about his business of mopping up at the back and organising the back line.