Arsenal FC: Ranking the 6 Most Influential Transfers in the Club's History

Arsenal FC have signed some great players over the years. Not least of them being Alex James, the crown Jewel of Herbert Chapman's Invincibles, who was a one man team for most of his career. Late in the history of Arsenal football club came a great keeper called David Seaman, who was integral in giving Graham his first and only European trophy, the Cup Winner's Cup.

When Frenchman Arsene Wenger came to the club, he signed two absolutely brilliant players. One was a tenacious midfielder called Patrick Vieira, who became the club's captain and one was a technically excellent second striker called Dennis Bergkamp who became the creative channel for the team. 

6: David Seaman

Seaman was an absolutely brilliant keeper. His height, composure and standing jump made him an outstanding goalkeeper. He was signed from Queen's Park Rangers as a replacement for the ageing  John Lukic. He stayed at the club till 2002, winning the double in his last year as a player. He is unfortunately also remembered for his howlers against Nayim in the Cup winners Cup and Ronaldinho in the 2002 World Cup for England.

5: Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. He was brought to Arsenal to replace Vieira. His passing ability, a great shot and technique were praised by the Arsenal fan base, who saw him as the ideal Brady figure. After the 2006 UEFA Champions League final, Arsene Wenger dismantled the remainder of the Invincibles squad and began to build the team around Fabregas.

He was one of of the standout figures in the last seasons, where Fabregas has been carrying the team( mostly). He has been Arsenal's standout player for very season except the last, where he was injured and he made little to no contribution. Now, he departs and his conribution is all but forgotten. 

4: Alex James

Alex James, the Scotsman was such a good player that his team, Preston North End were called " Alex James and 10 others", A testament to his brilliance indeed. He was more of a prolific goalscorer than a playmaker till he met Herbert Chapman. Chapman forced him to make the change in position. When it didn't work, Chapman dropped the hub of his team. He later brought him back for a vital FA Cup replay against Birmingham City.

3: Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is a hell of a striker.He uses his pace to get in behind defenders and can also use his flair to flummox them, leaving them in a state of Chaos. Henry was brought by Arsene Wenger in 1999, from Juventus ,wehere he was having a torrid time. Henry was then a winger, but Arsene saw his shooting potential and made him an out and out striker. Henry is widely accepted as Arsenal greatest player and probably is, though it was two transfers that really set the ball rolling for Wenger at Arsenal.

2: Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira was a great player. At the start of his Arsenal career, he was but a youngster in French football, although he was hot prospect. He came to Arsenal from Cannes, and he was an instant success. He was, in fact the first major signing made by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Vieira was a master of the tackle, and his skill and technique were unique. His mix of tenacity and finesse made him a great captain. His desire and will to win were almost unparalleled. He is remembered for the duels he had with Manchester United's Roy Keane. In hindsight, Vieira was a great buy. He was one of the focii of Wenger's early years and was the focus of his magnum opus, the Invincibles. 

1:Dennis Bergkamp

Bergkamp was technically the most influential transfer Bruce Rioch made at Arsenal( In fact, it was soon to be manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger who recommended Bergkamp highly to Dein, and it was rumored that Wenger was the de facto manager even when Rioch was in charge), even though Bergkamp was snapped up from Inter Milan. Nigel WInterburn later stated the Bergkamp's signing was a statement of intent by the vice president David Dein and the club's board. They wanted to show fans that the club was going somewhere. Bergkamp was the playmaker of Wenger's most successful sides. His finest hour was undoubtedly in 1998, where he led Arsenal to the double and he was named the Footballer of the Year.