While Mikel Arteta's side are 10 games away from securing Arsenal's first Premier League title since 2004, these players' search for greater things didn't quite prove successful
As Arsenal have faced a largely barren two-decade spell which saw them fall short in the elite major honours, certain members of the playing staff throughout this period opted to depart for a new challenge. However, as the saying goes, the grass isn't always greener, as this group of former players found out.
That wait for England's greatest domestic accolade could be ended in two months' time, as Mikel Arteta's outfit sit eight points clear of Manchester City with 10 games to play. Had things turned out differently, a number of players who opted to ply their trade away from north London could have been part of this incredible journey.
Whether it was the player or the manager's choice, a feeling of regret can often overwhelm the departed individual. Here, football.london takes a look at seven recent Arsenal players who struggled to reach the heights following their departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Having showcased his magic at the Emirates Stadium, the manner of Sanchez's exit, and his performances prior to leaving the club, led to his once-cult hero relationship with the fans turning sour. After an agreement with Manchester City fell through, he agreed a move to rivals Manchester United instead, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction.
"After the session I got home and I told my family and my agent: 'Can you not rip up the contract to go back to Arsenal?' They laughed, I told them there's something that doesn't sit right, it doesn't seem good. But I already signed, I was already there. After the first few months I carried on having the same feeling, we weren't united as a team in that moment."
Aaron Ramsey was one of the longest-serving Arsenal players during Arsene Wenger's latter days as manager. Having been signed in 2008, the Welshman spent the best part of a decade at the Emirates Stadium, playing a crucial role in FA Cup triumphs and regular Champions League qualification.
However, time was called on his Gunners career in 2019 when he decided to pursue a venture with Juventus after signing on a free transfer. The north Londoners found themselves in a difficult position after they allowed Ramsey to enter the final year of his contract, and an agreement couldn't be reached between the two parties, despite his obvious love for the club.
After The Old Lady reportedly paid Ramsey £400,000-per-week, his time in Turin failed to live up to expectations. He joined Scottish side Rangers on a short-term loan in January 2022 and then signed permanently for French outfit Nice on a free transfer last summer.
He spent 17 years with Arsenal, but his talent merited far more than the 125 league appearances he ultimately racked up. The former England international departed the Emirates Stadium after enduring several frustrating campaigns, including a year spent on loan with Bournemouth.
Since leaving the Gunners for West Ham, Wilshere’s career really failed to kick-on, having also been released by the Hammers, whilst a short spell back with Bournemouth also ended with the midfielder being without a club. Wilshere announced his retirement from playing football last summer, just over 24 hours after news broke that he had left Danish club AGF. He is now the coach of Arsenal under-18s.
Like Wilshere, Walcott burst onto the scene at a very young age, with expectation levels of this particular crop of Arsenal players sky-high with unlimited potential. However, both their careers in north London ended prematurely as the heights promised were never truly reached.
After 12 years at the club, Walcott joined Everton in January 2018 having struggled for playing time during his latter days. Speaking about the attacker's departure at the time, Wenger said he hoped Walcott would stay, but insisted he will have nothing but good memories of the player.
"We speak about cup finals or Champions League games, or the local derbies, where he put in outstanding performances against Tottenham. I just regret what happened, but he didn't play enough recently," Wenger said. "I wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for us. He will always be welcome here."
Most recent of the players on this list, Arsenal were frustrated to lose Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea last summer. The wide player decided not to renew his contract in north London and instead made the switch to the west of the city.
It was a move that left Arsenal supporters frustrated knowing a talented player who had flourished in the youth side had gone to a rival. Mikel Arteta called Hutchinson up eight times to his Premier League side but the then-18-year-old remained an unused substitute.
Since moving to Chelsea he has made his senior debut in the Premier League for the Blues which might come as some justification to the teenager for making the switch. His 22 minutes against Manchester City in a 1-0 defeat however didn’t leave much on the memory.
Aubameyang's four years at the Emirates Stadium were largely productive, having struck 92 goals in 163 games and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup and reach the Europa League final. However, things were left on a sour note as Arteta effectively banished the Gabon striker and shipped him off to Barcelona just over a year ago.
Although he said it was his dream to play for the Spanish giants, he lasted just six months at Camp Nou before Todd Boehly persuaded him to move to Stamford Bridge. Since departing, Arsenal's form has only gathered further momentum, with the young squad poised for an incredible Premier League title, which looked inconceivable 12 months prior.
Santi Cazorla spent a memorable six years at Arsenal where he wowed the Emirates Stadium faithful with his precision passing and eye-catching displays. He became a firm fan-favourite, and his exit was particularly sore for the Gunners fanbase.
"I don't know if it's possible or not, but I want to play one more game for Arsenal before I retire. It was a deep regret that I could never have a proper goodbye," he later told Goal.
"Arsenal was the biggest club I ever played for. I'm proud that I was an Arsenal player. I'm especially grateful for Arsenal fans who supported me even after I left the club. I wish I can be part of the Gunners family in the future again."
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