ARSENAL MISSED CHANCE TO MAKE SILVA A GUNNER
ARSENAL spurned the opportunity to sign David Silva in 2005 because they believed he could not cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. Manchester City’s playmaker is set to start against the Gunners in tomorrow’s Premier League showdown, but he could have been lining up for Arsene Wenger’s side instead. Silva was watched extensively by Arsenal’s Spanish scouts, led by head of overseas recruitment Francis Cagagio, while on loan at Eibar in 2004. Cagagio was responsible for identifying Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin. Eventually Arsenal opted against pursuing a move for the then 19-year-old, feeling he did not have the physical attributes to succeed in England. So instead of joining Arsenal, Silva left Valencia for another loan spell — this time at Celta Vigo — where his performances persuaded his parent club to make him a first-team regular the following season. Silva joined City in 2010 for £26million and has gone on to become one of English football’s best foreign imports, helping the club to two titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.