Baba Rahman reveals that he could’ve played for Arsenal rather than Chelsea.
Speaking to Nizaar Kinsella, the defender confessed that he was potentially close to joining the Gunners when he was a teenager.
Rahman moved to England in 2015 after being signed by Chelsea from FC Augsburg.
The 28-year-old has hardly spent anytime in London, though.
Since that switch to Stamford Bridge, he’s spent seven separate seasons out on loan at five different clubs.
His list of teams includes: two spells at Schalke, Reims, Mallorca, PAOK and a double stint at Reading, where he currently resides.
He is still on Chelsea’s books, despite not making an appearance for them in six years.
Perhaps he would be an established Premier League player by now had he signed for Arsenal.
“I missed out on the trial because I didn’t have a visa to the UK,” explained the full-back about nearly heading to the Emirates.
“That’s when I was much younger, maybe 16. I got denied a visa, but one way or another I found myself in London.”
Chelsea and Arsenal look in the same direction
Chelsea and Arsenal’s scouts clearly work in similar circles.
They have shared numerous names in the past, from world-renowned stars to blossoming academy products.
Eddie Nketiah left Cobham whilst still in the academy set-up to sign for Arsenal.
Cesc Fabregas, Petr Cech, David Luiz, Willian, Olivier Giroud and Ashley Cole among others have all spent time in either end of the capital.
Graham Potter and Mikel Arteta’s employers are also reportedly interested in Memphis Depay and Wilfried Zaha.
The Gunners just want to be us…