Arsenal have missed out on some incredible players at youth level over the years.
Harry Kane was famously on Arsenal’s books as a youngster before becoming a Tottenahm legend.
Meanwhile Antoine Semenyo had a trial at Arsenal when he was younger, while Federico Valverde almost joined Arsenal as a teenager.
Now, speaking on TalkSPORT, John Terry has revealed that Arsenal wanted to sign him when he was a young player.
Indeed, according to the defender, Arsenal and Manchester United both wanted to sign him before he signed for Chelsea as a 14-year-old.
John Terry was wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United
Terry spoke about his journey into football and how he was courted by Arsenal and United.
According to the former England captain, United and Arsenal wanted him, but he chose to join Chelsea as he immediately felt at home with the Blues.
“I first joined Chelsea when I was 14, it wasn’t the club we know 20 years later after winning all the trophies, we were a mid-table team who won the odd trophy.
“I had Man United and Arsenal all wanting to sign me, but I walked into Chelsea and just thought that this feels like home to me. I loved it, I love the family feel about it, and the relationships you build with the supporters, the people within the club, it’s special, Chelsea means everything to me.”
What Arsene Wenger said about John Terry
Terry chose Chelsea over Arsenal and United, and it’s hard to imagine he regrets that decision.
Indeed, Terry won everything there is to win during his time at Stamford Bridge, and he became a true Premier League legend.
Interestingly, Terry was linked with Arsenal again towards the end of his career, but, via The Guardian, Arsene Wenger played down those links.
Wenger hailed Terry as a player though, claiming that he was a marvellous leader.
“He was not only a great player, he certainly still is, but he was also a great coach on the pitch,” said Wenger.
“I saw him here once at London Colney playing with the Under-21s and the way he coached the team as a player was absolutely marvellous. He was a real leader and he had a great career as well, let’s not forget that.”
Terry was a real thorn in Arsenal’s side throughout his career too, boasting a great record against the Gunners, and even scoring a few goals in the process.
| John Terry record vs Arsenal | |
|---|---|
| Games | 37 |
| Wins | 15 |
| Draws | 11 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Goals | 5 |
Who knows what Arsenal would have been able to achieve if they’d got their hands on Terry as a young player.
