Ronaldo almost joined Gunners: Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed how Arsenal were once “very close” to signing Cristiano Ronaldo before the in-form winger joined Manchester United – but maintains he would not swap his own goal-machine Emmanuel Adebayor for anyone.

The Portuguese winger – who arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon during August 2003 – has been in superb form again this season, netting 27 times as United lead the race for the Barclays Premier League crown, just ahead of the Gunners.