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Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest football managers in history. An important part of his job was to run a tight ship at Arsenal and along the way, he made unearthing gems his speciality. From the lower divisions of France to shady dealings with Beveren in Belgium, he has always had a keen eye for a bargain.
These gems played some of the most entertaining football in the Premier League, and even though they were often criticised for "lacking a spine", the team live long in the memory of many.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 Arsenal bargains that were signed by Wenger during his 22-year tenure at the Highbury and then, the Emirates stadium.
5. Fredrik Ljungberg (£4.05 Million):
In 1998, after only watching him play on television against England, Arsene Wenger decided to spend £4.05 million to sign the Swedish attacking midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede was a man for the big occasions, registering goals against giants like Manchester United, Liverpool and against Chelsea in the victorious FA Cup final of 2002.
Ljungberg scored an exceptional 17 goals from midfield as Arsenal won the League and Cup double. In all, he scored 72 goals from the wing and as a second striker in his time at Arsenal and came away with a respectable two Premier Leagues Titles and three FA Cup titles. He was a true fan favourite at Highbury (and subsequently when they shifted grounds, the Emirates), being crowned PFA Player of the Year. In 2008, Ljungberg was ranked number 11 in a poll of the greatest Arsenal players in history. His legacy remains intact and he was a bargain, even at £4.05 million.
4. Nicolas Anelka (£684,000):
Before he infamously came to be known as 'Le Sulk', Frenchman Nicolas Anelka was one of the greatest young talents in world football. Plucked from PSG ( before the money ) in 1997, Anelka formed a terrific partnership with Dennis Bergkamp, firing Arsenal to their first league and cup double. The fact that he came at only £684,000 made the transfer even better.
He was the top scorer for the Gunners the following season, winning the PFA Young Player of The Year Award before moving on to Spanish giants Real Madrid for a mammoth £31.5 Million. It would turn out that the move came a little too early in Anelka's career as he struggled to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu. In later interviews, when reflecting on the past, Anelka has always maintained that he regrets leaving Arsenal and always had great respect for Arsene Wenger.
3. Kolo Toure (£167,000):
Today, Kolo Toure isn't fondly remembered for his stellar defensive performances. He, unfortunately, became something of a joke after a disappointing few seasons at Liverpool. Before all of that though, Toure was a hungry youngster so eager to impress Arsene Wenger, that he tackled Henry, Bergkamp and the manager himself whilst on trial at Highbury.
Pound for pound, Toure could be regarded as one of the best signings ever. He was an important part of the Invincibles side, making 37 league appearances. Halfway through the first decade of the 21st century, Toure had become one of the finest centre-backs in the English game.
The end to his time at Arsenal was as the result of a bust-up with William Gallas, but his move to Manchester City netted Wenger's side a solid £16.83 million. It still befuddles the mind how Wenger managed to pluck a gem like Toure for only £167,000.
2. Cesc Fabregas (£2.88 Million):
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.
1. Robin Van Persie (£4.05 Million):
Robin Van Persie was one of the most lethal strikers in world football. Like most Wenger signings, he was bought from Feyenoord on the cheap for £4.05 Million and was sold at a great profit, albeit not under ideal circumstances.
RVP signed in 2004 and was predominantly known to play on the left of midfield. Wenger had other ideas and decided to eventually blood him up top, a decision validated by his outstanding scoring record for Arsenal. When he left Arsenal he had 132 goals in 278 games at almost a goal every other game.
Not only was he a great scorer of goals, but also a scorer of great goals. He scored some absolute belters, usually beautiful volleys, that won him many plaudits. He was appointed club captain in his last season and proceeded to win the Golden Boot with a fantastic tally of 30 goals.
His transfer to Manchester United, like others on this list, may have left a sour taste in the mouth of Gunners, but he remains one of the best signings of the Wenger Era.
