In an alternative universe, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas could have been lining up together for Arsenal and Spain.
The partnership would have made a major difference to the Gunners’ prospects during a period when they started to drift out of contention at the top of the Premier League.
In the summer of 2008, shortly after Alonso and Fabregas had helped Spain to end their long wait for international success by winning the European Championship, they could potentially have joined forces at club level too.
As Rafa Benitez stepped up his pursuit of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, he was prepared to let Alonso leave. Although he ended up staying for one more year before joining Real Madrid, Fabregas recently revealed that his compatriot had been pushing for a move to Arsenal.
"I was with Xabi on the phone the whole summer. He was dying to come. He was literally begging everyone to go to Arsenal, he really wanted to come,” Fabregas told the Arsecast podcast.
"And to be honest, I did my best. I spoke to who I had to speak to. I gave my opinion, I thought that he was a fantastic addition for us at that time.”
It was a time of transition for Arsenal, who had been challenging for the title before a poor run of form, starting with a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City on the day that Eduardo suffered a broken leg.
They eventually finished third, just four points adrift of champions Manchester United.
Arsene Wenger reshaped his midfield that summer as Gilberto Silva was sold and Mathieu Flamini completed a controversial move to AC Milan on a free transfer. Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri arrived from Cardiff City and Marseille respectively.
Lack of leadership and midfield solidity became an issue for Arsenal as they finished fourth the next season. Fabregas was left to reflect on the failure to sign Alonso when he was so keen to complete the move.
"I have to say that a couple of times like that I was frustrated by the lack of push, the final push – you know what I mean? That it’s so close, the player is dying to come, it’s so easy to make this deal,” said the midfielder.
"Xabi Alonso was one of them. I mean I was living it day-to-day because he was texting me all the time.
"I remember the whole holiday I was talking to him, he was texting me: 'What’s happening?' And it was a shame, because I think he would have been a great, great, great addition to that team. He was made for Arsenal, I think.”
Ultimately, Alonso went on to prove his worth at Real Madrid instead. During five seasons at the Bernabeu he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey twice, and the Champions League, beating rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.
During this period, Alonso and Fabregas continued to play a major part in Spain’s dominance of international football. They won the World Cup and Euro 2012 to make it three consecutive victories in major tournaments.
By 2011, Fabregas himself had elected to move on in search of honours.
He rejoined Barcelona, the club that had played such an important role in his development, before returning to the Premier League with Chelsea.
