ARSENAL will be pleased they did not splash the cash on former transfer target Mateo Retegui after seeing his glaring miss in the Saudi Pro League.
The Italy international, 26, sensationally missed an absolute sitter during Al-Qadsiah’s narrow win over Neom.
Mateo Retegui had a golden opportunity to notch his 16th goal of the seasonCredit: X (FORMERLY TWITTER)
But the striker embarrassingly managed to hit the postCredit: X (FORMERLY TWITTER)
MATEO RETEGUI VIENT DE RATER ÇA 😨
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) February 12, 2026
3’ | Al Qadsiah 0 – 0 NEOM S.C. pic.twitter.com/9ee5io9gzL
looked nailed on to add to his tally of 15 goals for the season when he pounced on a goalkeeping error inside the opening three minutes of the showdown.
But, from point-blank range, the striker somehow managed to hit the post and let Neom shot-stopper Luis Maximiano off the hook.
Retegui’s blushes were spared when Nahitan Nandez bagged the winner in stoppage time.
The marksman sealed a £56million move to Al-Qadsiah last summer, having been the top scorer in Serie A.
And he is now working under former Liverpool and Celtic chief Brendan Rodgers .
Al-Qadsiah pounced a matter of months after Arsenal looked into sealing a deal for Retegui.
The then-Atalanta frontman was reportedly when there were growing doubts over whether they could land Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyokeres.
But Emirates Stadium supremo Mikel Arteta eventually managed to sign the latter from Portuguese giants Sporting.
And Gyokeres, 27, has got his name on the scoresheet 13 times to North London.
The Swede has played a key role in Arsenal finding themselves four points clear at the Premier League summit.
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Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were also big-money arrivals in the final third of the pitch after Arteta chose not to stump up the cash for Retegui.
But the centre forward, who is looking to spearhead Italy to this summer’s , could still win silverware despite his embarrassing miss.
Al-Qadsiah are just six points adrift of Saudi Pro League table-toppers Al-Hilal.
Retegui was on Arsenal’s wishlist before his move to Al-QadsiahCredit: Getty
But the Gunners landed Viktor Gyokeres insteadCredit: Getty Spanish Grand Prix – Exclusive Offer
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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