Arsenal’s mistake in appointing Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has once again been made abundantly clear over the past few days.
The former Liverpool manager has long been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium - once following the sacking of Unai Emery and again last season with Mikel Arteta under severe pressure.
However, Arsenal have failed to appoint Rodgers on each occasion, with him electing to remain in the East-Midlands.
Whilst current boss Arteta is under no pressure at the current time, Leicester have laid clear the Gunners’ mistake in not securing Rodgers with their swift transfer business. Summer signings Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare have hailed the Northern-Irishman as a determining factor in their decisions to sign for the Foxes.
Zambian striker Daka arrives from Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg, whilst Soumare has elected to leave Ligue 1 champions Lille.
Daka said: “When we had the negotiations, I spoke to him.
“I have spoken to him about three times or so and it’s been great. It’s so amazing to know you have someone who’s there, someone who believes in you. He’s got confidence in you, so he had a very big impact in my decision.
“The way he was talking wasn’t to convince me to join the Club, he was just telling me what they would expect from me and what they can do for me. At the end of the day, he told me it’s up to me to make the decision.
“It was easy for me because he showed me the love that I want from a manager, so I’m just looking forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Soumare also echoed such thoughts after confirmation of his transfer on Friday.
He said: "Brendan Rodgers is one of the main factors that made me want to come to the Club. He’s really good at developing young players, he knows them well and gives them their chance. I’ve spoken to him already and it went well."
The sheer fact that Rodgers has been able to prise two of the most promising youngsters in world football away from well-established and successful outfits indicates the status he holds within world football.
It is certainly a standing that would have been useful for the Gunners as they attempt to bounce back from a hugely disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
