Cañizares exclusive: I could've been Arsenal Invincible ahead of Lehmann | OneFootball

Valencia legend Santiago Cañizares has revealed he almost became part of the Arsenal 'Invincibles' in the summer of 2003.

At the end of the 2002/03 season, Arsene Wenger was looking how to replenish his goalkeeping stocks to help a title tilt after finishing second behind Manchester United.

The Gunners saw off their ageing shot-stopper David Seaman - who would join Manchester City - with an FA Cup final win over Southampton.

It was a big task for Wenger. Seaman spent 13 years in between the sticks at Highbury and established himself as England's number one. Gooners became accustomed to his signature ponytail flailing around in the midst of an acrobatic world-class save.

And Cañizares, speaking in an exclusive interview with Tribalfootball.com, says Wenger was choosing between himself and Borussia Dortmund star Jens Lehmann.

Of course, the German would start every game in a debut season in which Arsenal became only the second side to complete an entire campaign undefeated.

Jens Lehmann in action for Arsenal

It wasn't the first-time Cañizares had been linked with a move to the Premier League, as Manchester United reportedly chased his signature at the turn of the century.

The former Spain international denies there was any interest from United, although says he seriously considered joining Arsenal.

But having won La Liga and the UEFA Cup in the 2003/04 season with Valencia, Cañizares insists he has no regrets.

"I did have conversations with other English clubs," Cañizares explained. "The nearest I came to signing with another club was with Arsenal.

"I think it was the 2002-2003 season, Wenger looked at both goalkeepers…being Lehmann and myself.

"Lehmann went to Arsenal and did great and I stayed in Valencia and had a wonderful time too because the following season, in 2003-2004, Valencia CF won La Liga and the Europa League.

"Unlike with the Manchester United situation, regarding the Arsenal offer…we were valuing it and from an economic point of view too."

According to the BBC, Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with Cañizares and thought he could finally solve the problems caused by Peter Schmeichel's departure in 1999.

However, the 46-year-old says he was never contacted by the Red Devils.

"No, I never had conversations with Manchester United," Canizares added.

"It's possible that I was in a 'ittle book' of a technical sporting director of Manchester United and desired in their plans as a choice of goalkeeper for Manchester United but I never came anywhere near to signing for them. There were never serious negotiations."