Arsenal transfer news: After Jamie Vardy snub, here's the 13 players Arsene Wenger nearly signed

A number of players have slipped through Wenger's grasp and gone on to become world class players

Arsenal have failed to land one of their top transfer targets this summer after Jamie Vardy signed a new four-year contract to remain at Leicester City, with the announcement coming in the middle of Euro 2016 where the striker is currently playing for England.

Despite seeing his £20m buy-out clause activated by the Gunners, Vardy has chosen to stay with the reigning Premier League champions and has put pen to paper on a new deal that will take him to around £100,00-a-week in wages.

Leicester’s jubilation is, though, Arsenal’s disappointment. Vardy’s snub not only forces Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger back to the drawing board, but comes as a bit of an embarrassment for the Gunners. Arsenal would never have dreamed losing a player to a side promoted from the Championship just two seasons ago, but that is exactly what has happened, and the impact of missing out on the title for the 12th consecutive season is beginning to dawn on Arsenal supporters.

The snub isn’t the first time Arsenal have missed out on a player either. The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have avoided the club at certain times in their career, according to Wenger himself.

Over the years the Arsenal manager has become quite accustomed to revealing the transfer he nearly completed – rather than the few he has actually sealed – and they make up quite the list of world class footballers.

So who are they? Click on the gallery above to see the 14 players Arsene Wenger nearly signed.