FIVE Best Players Who Snubbed Manchester United for Chelsea

There is this news making the transfer headline that Chelsea are preparing to battle with Manchester United in the race to sign Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

The Swedish centre-back has been linked with a switch to Manchester United all the January transfer window. Here we look at some similar scenarios where a player has chosen the West London club over the North-West club.

5. Arjen Robben

Robben was on the verge of joining Manchester United back in 2004 before Chelsea snatched the Dutch winger under the nose of their Premier League rivals.

The then United boss Fergie confirmed interest and Robben’s dad said United was the club for his son.

“We are interested in him,” said Ferguson. “Nothing’s been finalised but we are hoping to do business with PSV.”

“We have taken a look around and have spoken with manager Alex Ferguson,” Robben’s dad said

4. Pedro

Manchester United were on the verge of landing the Spain International after holding positive talks with the La Liga champions and United supporters excitedly awaited the signing of the World Cup winner.

However, Pedro moved to Chelsea instead after the former Blues boss Blues Jose Mourinho played an integral role.

“He is one of the main reasons why I’m here,” Pedro told Chelsea TV.

“He phoned me a few times and said he needed me to make the team stronger.

 3. John Obi Mikel

Back in 2005, The Nigeria International’s move to Manchester United was all but confirmed. Mikel had signed a contract and appeared in Press conference with the Red Devils shirt. But Chelsea get involved and nabbed the 19 year-old midfielder.

2. Eden Hazard

The Belgian winger held personal conversations with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich before deciding to join the European Champions rather than Manchester United in 2012.

“I spoke with Abramovich, he is very simple and loves football,” Hazard said at the time. “There was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but according to me Chelsea has the best project. I was in advanced contact with both clubs and I spoke to both coaches.”

1. Didier Drogba

The former Marseille striker would have worn red shirt but Chelsea reacted quickly to secure his signature.

“We went to check him out [at Marseille],” Fergie wrote in one of his books, “but the club wanted £25million and Chelsea moved in for the kill before we had made up our minds.”