Arsenal's transfer history has been under scrutiny as the club prepares for a crucial end to the season. With the Premier League title race and a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, two notable transfer stories have emerged involving Jamie Vardy and Bruno Fernandes.
Jamie Vardy has revealed why he rejected a move to Arsenal in 2016. After helping Leicester City win the Premier League, Vardy turned down a £22million switch to the Emirates, opting to stay with the Foxes. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Vardy explained that the timing did not feel right, despite Arsenal being a 'way bigger club' on paper. He has no regrets, having since added an FA Cup to his honours.
Meanwhile, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted his disappointment that Declan Rice chose Arsenal over United. Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105million in 2023, was seen by Fernandes as the 'perfect fit' for United. Fernandes told Joel Beya: 'I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal. I always thought he would be a perfect fit for our club.'
As Arsenal focus on their title charge, these stories highlight what might have been for the Gunners in the transfer market.
