Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott has revealed that he had the chance to join Arsenal.

Retired centre-back Joleon Lescott has said that he had the chance to join Arsenal during his playing career, but opted sign for Everton instead.

Born in the Birmingham area, Lescott began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the English game.

He then joined Everton in the summer of 2006, in a deal worth £5 million. The 41-year-old later went on to feature for Manchester City, West Brom, and boyhood club Aston Villa in the Premier League. 

In his five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, the 26-cap former England international won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and an EFL cup.

However, Lescott’s career could have panned out very differently had he taken his chance to make a move to Arsenal.

Joleon Lescott recalls missed Arsenal opportunity

Lescott has now explained why he rejected the opportunity to come to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking on The Peter Crouch podcast, he said, “because I could have potentially gone to Arsenal but I like was I going to Arsenal to play? I’d be learning stuff but I wanted to play and luckily enough for me, I broke into Wolves and never not played.”

Lescott deserves credit for prioritising game time above all else. He did play a great deal for Everton, and moved on to bigger things after impressing at Goodison Park.

Given all that he went on to win and achieve, Lescott won’t regret having turned down the north London club. For the majority of Lescott’s post-Wolves career, Arsenal endured a barren run in terms of silverware.

Mikel Arteta now looks to have led the club back to a place from which they can seriously challenge for major honours once again. Arsenal mounted a serious Premier League title challenge last season, and will they be aiming to go one step further this time around.

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