Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claims he 'almost signed' so many of the world's greatest players that it's become something of a running joke.For nearly two decades now, the Gunners have been playing second-fiddle in the Premier League to their wealthier - and ultimately more successful - rivals.They've had to watch as Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and even Liverpool rake in talent from far and wide to build title-winning super teams, year after year.Landing Dusan Vlahovic would've been Arsenal's first major statement in the transfer market since signing Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in 2013, but as has happened so often over the past 20 years, they failed to get the deal over the line.With the big Serb now on the verge of joining Juventus, Daily Star Sport has taken a look back at 11 other top players Arsenal came so close to signing in recent years.The vultures quickly came circling after Leicester City's miraculous Premier League triumph in 2016.N'Golo Kante was snapped up Chelsea, Manchester City were pushing for Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy had an excruciating decision to make when the Gunners triggered his £20 million release clause.It looked like the deal was done when Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud acknowledged the approach publicly, saying how much he was looking forward to playing alongside the England international, but Vardy eventually opted to stay with the Foxes.Do you think Arsene Wenger ever lies about which players he 'nearly' signed?
Let us know in the comments section below...Wenger was eyeing up a long-term replacement for club captain Patrick Vieira in the summer of 2004, and identified West Ham youngster Michael Carrick as the ideal candidate.The two even met in person to discuss terms, but.
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