Top 5 Arsenal bargain purchases from the Wenger Era

2. Cesc Fabregas (£2.88 Million):

UEFA Champions League: Arsenal v CSKA Moscow

Before departing for Barcelona and his subsequent arrival at Stamford Bridge, Cesc Fabregas was a bonafide Arsenal legend. He became the North London club's youngest player and goalscorer, eventually captaining the club. He had arrived at the club for a measly tribunal fee of £2.88 Million as a lanky 16-year-old.

Fabregas became omnipresent in the Arsenal team soon after and the side was built around him as he became the creative fulcrum. He was Arsenal's talisman on the pitch, winning the Golden Boy award in the 2006, twice making the UEFA Team of the Year and the PFA Team of the Year and twice providing the most assists in the league.

His departure to Barcelona saw him sold at a huge profit but left a sour taste in the mouth of the fans. When he subsequently returned to England with Chelsea, cries of Judas were heard around the Emirates, but that should not take away from the undeniable quality that Fabregas displayed as an absolute bargain.