But in all that time Arsene Wenger (or anyone else for that matter) has ever put a cheque on the table trying to buy him.
Wenger once said he had the greatest respect for Given, just as he made a 'throw away' comment about Charlie N'Zogbia, and the press have milked it ever since.
No offer ... no genuine interest ... but why should the truth get in the way of a good story?
Arsenal To Sign Shay Given?
Toon boss Sam Allardyce is sticking with Steve Harper as his No1 and admitted: "Will Shay be happy on the bench? He cannot be.
"It's impossible. But it is not about making a decision based on who will create more problems for me. It is about what you think is the right thing, or the right goalkeeper, for that particular time."