An unknown Zlatan gave one of the coldest ever rejections with Arsenal snub

Having had Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie in their ranks, goals have certainly not lacked in the Gunners' ammunition.

As Arsenal entered the 2000s, only Manchester United could be classed as the better side in English football.

With the Red Devils providing tough competition for glory, Arsene Wenger and co. looked to the continent to sign new, young talent.

One player in particular appeared to catch their eye at Malmo in Sweden, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic showing huge signs of promise.

He signed his first contract with the club in 1996 before making his way into the senior side three years later.

READ MORE TRANSFERS

I spent eight hours doing Spurs medical then joined rivals, one director threatened me

I was close to signing for Man United, but private jet flight convinced me to join Arsenal

During the start of their 2001 season, he scored three goals and assisted another three in eight games before signing for Dutch giants Ajax.

However, his career could have panned out very differently as Arsenal made steps to bring him to north London prior to his Dutch move.

Speaking on their efforts to complete a signing, Ibrahimovic said: "I went to London for an appointment with Wenger, who asked me to audition for the Gunners.

"I told him 'I will not do a trial: either you take me or not, I'm not here to waste time.'"

Most read in Football

Aston Villa announce Torres deal, Liverpool join Colwill race, Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia

Man United transfer news LIVE: Mount debut, Onana talks to 'accelerate', Amrabat targeted

Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Caicedo hails Blues, Liverpool want Colwill, Pulisic exit

Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Rice trains with Gunners target, Timber announcement imminent

"I already had that kind of trust, because in my mind I was the strongest of all, even when I was young," he added.

"I met Wenger because I expected him to tell me to start with them right away. But Ibra does not test."

Not that either party fared too badly, with Ibrahimovic scoring 48 times in 110 games in the Netherlands before spells at Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Man United and Milan.

It's at PSG, though where the now 41-year-old boasts his best numbers, amassing 156 goals in four seasons.

Such a strong record eventually saw him move to the Premier League in 2016, but it was in United's red rather than Arsenal's.

During two seasons at Old Trafford, he scored 29 goals that helped guide them to Europa League and League Cup success in 2017.

They are therefore two titles won as part of United's total list of 68 trophies won in their history compared to the Gunners' 48.

For Wenger, missing out on such a signing is another 'what if' moment alongside failed moves for the legendary Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Read More on talkSPORT

Las Vegas unveils jaw-dropping futuristic $2.3bn Sphere arena that can host boxing and UFC

Chelsea fans fume at footage of Mason Mount and his dad drooling over Old Trafford 'home'

A few years after missing out on a young Ibrahimovic, the legendary coach oversaw an Arsenal team that remained unbeaten in the league for an entire season.

The 'Invincibles' are still regarded as one of the finest ever. Imagine - Jens Lehmann in goal, Martin Keown in defence and Ibrahimovic up top...