Arsenal had just arrived in China ahead of a friendly against Hangzhou Greentown and, for the first time that pre-season, Samir Nasri was a part of the squad.

The French midfielder had a year left on his contract and wasn’t willing to sign an extension. Rumours were that he would go to either Manchester United or Manchester City.

Wenger, in his first press conference in front of the gathered press, had this to say: “Will he [Nasri] be at the club next season? I say yes. Nasri is very happy at the club and is committed to staying.”

Perhaps Nasri was happy at that time, but the story had a familiar ending.

A player apparently committed to staying had no interest in a new deal and was soon sold to Manchester City.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the only major departure that summer…