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

Right Winger: Gareth Bale

Bale was considered but Wenger did not want “another left-back”

Before Gareth Bale became the attacking superstar that propelled him right to the summit of the transfer market, he was a left-back struggling to make a mark at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. His rise was sudden and once he rose through the ranks and the formation, he did not look back.

Bale went on to have an unforgettable season with Tottenham Hotspur in 2012/13 (at least on a personal level) where he scored 26 goals. Real Madrid came calling and £86m saw the Spurs let him leave for Spain and live his dream.

“We didn't take him as we had Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy and didn't want another left-back. I must confess it was a huge mistake as he can play in midfield.

“He struggled at the start at Tottenham, then they moved him to midfield and he has done exceptionally well. The career of a player sometimes depends on playing in the right position.” – Wenger

For someone who converted an Invincible like Lauren from a forward to a full-back, perhaps he could have done the reverse for Bale? We’ll never know.