"My biggest regret, I was so close, to signing Cristiano Ronaldo, and not only did I not get him he signed for Manchester United, so that of course still hurts today," admitted Wenger.

Ronaldo signed for the Red Devils in 2003 and has become one of the sport's all-time greats across the proceeding decade. He helped United to nine trophies during his six-year spell at Old Trafford, including three Premier League trophies and the 2008 Champions League crown.

Similar success has arrived for Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Aside from the Spanish domestic title and Copa del Rey win, he underlined his name in sporting history by leading Madrid to La Decima. He recently netted in the Champions League final against local rivals Atletico Madrid and set an all-time record of 17 goals in a single European season, per UEFA.

Wenger has been forced to watch on in envy since the Portuguese icon moved away from Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal won their first trophy since 2004-05 with last season's FA Cup triumph, but the north London side remain winless in six matches since the opening day of the current Premier League campaign.

The boss has littered Arsenal's history with terrific signings, as names such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas have had a profound impact on the club. Although Wenger openly confirmed he won't categorically choose the "best" of his acquisitions, he pinpointed the signing of Lauren as one of his proudest achievements.

"I think it’s the signings like Lauren who you spot when nobody else does," said Wenger, per Clements. "He was a right midfielder who I played at right-back and was one of the Invincibles."

Wenger also outlined Didier Drogba as the one player he would have rather managed than faced, saying, "he hurt us so much in big games, and so if he played for us it would not have happened."