Imagine this: Thierry Henry lifting the Champions League trophy in an Arsenal shirt. Imagine the Emirates Stadium buzzing not with frustration about missed European chances, but with a cabinet full of medals.
Sounds strange, right? But it’s not as far-fetched as you might think.
Back in 2003, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—who would go on to transform Chelsea into a European powerhouse—was actually close to buying Arsenal.
A single wrong piece of advice, and football history turned in a completely different direction.
This isn’t just a “what if” fantasy. It’s a genuine story, a book written by two Wall Street Journal journalists.
And trust me, once you hear the details, you’ll never look at the rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea the same way again.
How Roman Abramovich Almost Bought Arsenal Instead of Chelsea
How Roman Abramovich Entered English Football
Roman Abramovich wasn’t just looking for a hobby when he entered football in 2003. He had money, ambition, and a vision to compete with Europe’s elite.
To figure out which English club he should invest in, Abramovich hired Swiss banking giant UBS.
Their task was simple: analyze the economics of English football and identify potential clubs for takeover.
The report that came back would shape the next two decades of English football.
The Swiss Bank’s Mistake
According to the UBS report, one line stood out: “Arsenal were categorically not for sale.”
That statement was enough for Abramovich to rule Arsenal out of the picture. The Russian turned his attention elsewhere—and eventually landed at Stamford Bridge.
But here’s the twist: former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein later revealed that Arsenal’s owners would have sold if Abramovich had made an offer.
Yes, you read that right. Arsenal’s fate could have been completely different if not for a piece of faulty banking advice.
What If Abramovich Had Bought Arsenal?
Let’s pause and think. What would Arsenal under Abramovich look like?
- Financial Firepower: Arsenal’s owners in the early 2000s weren’t willing to spend aggressively. With Abramovich’s billions, the club could have signed world-class stars instead of sticking to a tighter budget.
- Thierry Henry’s Legacy: Abramovich tried multiple times to bring Thierry Henry to Chelsea, but Henry stayed loyal to Arsenal. If Abramovich had owned Arsenal, Henry would likely have been at the center of the project. Imagine him leading a galácticos-style Arsenal.
- The Champions League Curse: Arsenal’s biggest banter point—their lack of a Champions League trophy—could have ended years ago. With Abramovich’s backing, the Gunners might have lifted one or even multiple European titles.
Instead, Chelsea became the only London club to conquer Europe, winning the Champions League twice under Abramovich.
Abramovich’s Tottenham Snub
Interestingly, Arsenal weren’t the only London club Abramovich considered. He even met with Tottenham’s chairman. But as his car drove down Tottenham High Road, Abramovich looked outside and reportedly said in Russian:
“This is worse than Omsk.”
(For context: Omsk is a grim Siberian outpost where Abramovich owned a refinery.)
That one comment summed up the Spurs’ chances. Abramovich wasn’t impressed—and Tottenham’s opportunity slipped away instantly.
The Chelsea Era That Followed
With Arsenal ruled out and Tottenham dismissed, Abramovich turned to Chelsea, buying the club in 2003 for around £140 million.
What followed was a revolution:
- 5 Premier League titles
- 2 Champions League trophies
- Countless domestic cups
- And a transformation of Chelsea into one of Europe’s most feared teams
Chelsea went from a financially unstable club to a global powerhouse. Stamford Bridge, once overshadowed by Highbury, became the epicenter of London’s footballing success.
How Arsenal Fans See It Today
For Arsenal fans, this story is bittersweet. On one hand, they remain proud of the club’s traditions, history, and Wenger’s legacy. On the other hand, they can’t help but wonder:
- Would Arsenal have avoided the painful years without silverware?
- Would Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp, and co. have dominated Europe with Abramovich’s money behind them?
- Would Arsenal have become the modern Chelsea, and Chelsea remained in the shadows?
It’s one of football’s biggest “what ifs.”
FAQs
Q1: Why didn’t Roman Abramovich buy Arsenal instead of Chelsea?
Because a Swiss bank incorrectly advised him that Arsenal were not for sale, even though the owners might have accepted an offer.
Q2: Did Roman Abramovich ever try to sign Arsenal players?
Yes, he repeatedly tried to lure Thierry Henry to Chelsea, but the Frenchman stayed loyal to Arsenal during his peak.
Q3: How much did Abramovich buy Chelsea for?
He purchased Chelsea in 2003 for around £140 million, a move that completely transformed the club’s fortunes.
Conclusion:
When you think about it, the entire landscape of English football might have been different if a Swiss bank hadn’t made that mistake.
Arsenal could have been the superclub Chelsea became. Their Champions League drought might have ended. Thierry Henry could have become the face of Europe’s most dominant team.
Instead, Chelsea lived the dream Arsenal fans still crave.
Sometimes football isn’t just about goals, tactics, or players. It’s about timing, decisions, and moments of pure luck. And in 2003, that luck belonged to Chelsea.
