Spanish Ace Claims He Almost Joined Arsenal Before Sealing Man Utd Move

The January transfer window may have slammed shut but clubs will still be working hard behind the scenes at identifying targets for the summer, so we’ll bring you all the latest news, gossip and rumours. Today, Gerard Pique claims he almost joined Arsenal.

Barcelona ace Gerard Pique has revealed that he almost joined Arsenal following a meeting with Arsene Wenger before eventually signing for Manchester United.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Pique opened up about making the heart-wrenching decision to leave Barcelona after spending seven years in their La Masia academy. The defender is one of a number of young players who have opted to quit the Catalans due to the difficulties in breaking into the first team set up.

Cesc Fabregas famously left Barca as a 16-year-old to join Arsenal in 2003. He went on to captain the club and made over 300 appearances for the north Londoners before moving back to his boyhood club in 2011 where he now lines-up alongside his best friend, Pique.

However, it appears the two could have been team mates at the Emirates with Pique revealing to the Telegraph that he was close to joining Arsenal following a meeting with Arsene Wenger, but the move collapsed as the two clubs were unable to agree on a compensation package.

Pique went on to join Manchester United in 2004 but made just 12 appearances for the first team before moving back to the Nou Camp in 2008.

He told the newspaper:

‘I remember that first of all Arsenal were interested in me and I had a meeting with Arsène Wenger.

‘I was close to going to Arsenal, but the year before Cesc Fabregas went there and Arsenal and Barcelona were in a little fight and they didn’t want to do the same with me. Manchester United came in and finally I went there’.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United must see Pique as ‘one that got away’ as the 27-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best central defenders in the world, winning 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copa Del Rey’s, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 Champions League titles as well as lifting the European and World Cups with Spain.

The Gunners have now found a solid partnership in Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, but what would David Moyes give to have Pique at his disposal this season!

Are Arsenal fans disappointed to hear they missed out on Pique? Are United fans upset they sold him too early? Share your views below.