Arsenal FC: The 30 Greatest Buys in Gunners' History

Arsenal have long been considered one of the greatest clubs in World Football. With a great club comes great players, and there is no denying that the Gunners have produced some magnificent players over the years.

Regardless of the era, and whether managed by Bertie Mee, George Graham or Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have developed and established some players whose skill and calibre is almost indescribable.

As a team that has never enjoyed the same funding and investments as many of their rivals, the North London giants have still managed sterling success and developed a reputation for playing scintillating football.

To acknowledge the grace of the Gunners, Bleacher Report aims to establish the 30 greatest Arsenal buys of all time.

As expected there is an endless array of phenomenal purchases for the red and white's, but just who were the greatest?

Bleacher Report encourages readers to take a look.

*in no particular order.

Nicholas Anelka

Tenure: 1997-1999
Signed from: Paris Saint-Germain for £500,000
Arsenal Appearances: 99
Arsenal Goals: 27
Achievements: 1998/1999 English Premier League, 1999 FA Cup, 1999 Charity Shield

Anelka was signed as a 17-year-old and, despite a short tenure at the Gunners, developed rapidly under Arsene Wenger. He ultimately played an integral role in Arsenal's Premier League winning 1998/1999 campaign, amassing 45 appearances and 18 goals—securing him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

It was unfortunately the Frenchman's last contribution for the club, but Wenger was able to sell Anelka for a record £22.3 million to Spanish giants Real Madrid—proving a superb business move.

Pat Jennings

Tenure: 1977-1985
Signed from: Tottenham for £450,000
Arsenal Appearances: 327
Arsenal Goals: 0
Achievements: 1978 FA Cup

One of the greatest goalkeepers to grace English football, Jennings did the unthinkable in 1977 and left Tottenham for arch rivals Arsenal to continue what was already a superb career.

A natural leader and a true patron of English football, the Northern Irishman became the backbone of the Gunners during the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Gael Clichy

Tenure: 2003-2011
Signed from: Cannes for £330,000
Arsenal Appearances: 264
Arsenal Goals: 2
Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League, 2004 Community Shield, 2005 FA Cup

The French left back was signed as 17-year-old, and in his first season with the Gunners won the Premier League as part of the renowned 2003/2004 Invincibles side.

A quick, efficient fullback, Clichy enjoyed eight strong seasons in North London where he emerged as one of the best left backs in Europe.

Clichy was sold in the recent summer to Manchester City for £7 million.

Alex James

Tenure: 1929-1937
Signed from: Preston for £8,750
Arsenal Appearances: 261
Arsenal Goals: 27
Achievements: 1931, 1933,1934,1935 League championships, 1930, 1936 FA Cup titles

Regarded as the Dennis Bergkamp of his generation and renowned for his baggy shorts, Alex James is considered one of the greatest players to grace English football.

A creative, intelligent dynamo who constantly set up his attackers. Many players thrived beside James due to his near perfect passing range and impressive awareness, particularly legendary striker Cliff Bastin. The Scot was also a natural leader and captained Arsenal to the 1936 triumph.

Regarded as one of the best goal creators of all time, James was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the English game. Unfortunately, James passed away on June 1st, 1953.

Sol Campbell

Tenure: 2001-2006,2010
Signed from: Tottenham as a free agent
Arsenal Appearances: 209
Arsenal Goals: 12
Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2004,2005 FA Cups, 2002,2004 FA Community Shields

The Englishman established himself as one of the toughest defenders in England with Tottenham before joining the Gunners in 2001 after his contract expired.

Campbell was integral in Wenger's success of the early 2000's with consistent displays as a centre half.

Composed, fierce and a natural leader, Sol Campbell remains one of the greatest Arsenal defenders of all time.

Emmanuel Petit

Tenure: 1997-2000
Signed from: AS Monaco for £2.5 million
Arsenal Appearances: 118
Arsenal Goals: 11
Achievements: Premier League title 1997/1998 and FA Cup 1998

With his handsome pony tail and aggressive temperament, Emmanuel Petit starred in the English Premier League during a somewhat short but effective stint with Arsenal.

Strong, tenacious, quick and composed, Petit formed a vicious partnership with Patrick Vieira and was influential as Arsenal took a prestigious League and FA Cup double during the 1997/1998 season, the first of Arsene Wenger's successes.

Petit's admirable work rate, ability to cut down defence, aid defenders and play inch-perfect passes dominated Arsenal's attacking flow. The Frenchman also played a vital role as France achieved the FIFA 1998 World Cup before departing North London for Barcelona in a £7 million deal.

Jens Lehmann

Tenure: 2003-2008,2011
Signed from: Borussia Dortmund for £2 million
Arsenal Appearances: 194
Arsenal Goals: 0
Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League, 2004 Community Shield, 2005 FA Cup

The mad yet phenomenal keeping presence of Jens Lehmann brought Arsenal fans joy, as the German was a superb keeping force who occasionally indulged in moments of madness.

In his first season at the Gunners, Lehmann played 36 matches out of the 38 Premier League games in the Invincibles season.

Furthermore, the former German international 'keeper set the UEFA Champions League record for the most consecutive clean sheets, having not conceded a goal in 10 matches during the 2005/2006 competition, where Arsenal were runners up.

Brian Talbot

Tenure: 1979-1985
Signed from: Ipswich Town for £450,000
Arsenal Appearances: 327
Arsenal Goals: 49
Achievements: 1979 FA Cup

A tough, no-nonsense midfielder whose tireless work, combined with an ability to find the goal, ensured he was an influential presence in the Arsenal side during the 80's.

Boasting impeccable fitness and impressive defensive tenacity, the Englishman solidified Arsenal's midfield. Talbot's immense stamina and fitness ensured he rarely missed a game for the Gunners, and he constantly inspired others.

A tough, talented midfielder, Talbot left Highbury in 1985 for Watford, but remains a respected figure in Arsenal history.

George Graham

Tenure: 1966-1972
Signed from: Chelsea for £75,000
Arsenal Appearances: 308
Arsenal Goals: 77
Achievements: 1970/1971 League title, 1971 FA Cup, 1970 European Fairs Cup

A notable Arsenal manager, George Graham was also a hugely talented midfielder who was a permanent figure for the Gunners in the late 60's and early 70's.

The Scot was integral in Arsenal's double success of 1970/1971, Graham earned mass praise for his awareness, creativity and speed.

He was a natural leader and intelligent reader of the game, qualities that shone in his success as a manager.

Graham will always be a legend in Arsenal history.

Sylvain Wiltord

Tenure: 2000-2004
Signed from: Bordeaux for £13 million
Arsenal Appearances: 173
Arsenal Goals: 49
Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2002, 2003 FA Cup, 2002 FA Community Shield

The Frenchman was a record  signing for Arsenal at the time, but proved a valuable buy none the less.

Wiltord had become one of the best strikers in France and showed no troubles continuing his efficiency in England.

The striker will always be remembered for his Premiership clinching strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Bacary Sagna

Tenure: 2007-
Signed from: AJ Auxerre for £9 million
Arsenal Appearances: 185
Arsenal Goals: 3
Achievements: N/A

One of the most consistent and effective right backs to grace the English Premier League, Sagna is a fan favourite at the Gunners for his amazing hair and ability.

A clean and composed presence who is also considered one of the most underrated players in World Football.

Unfortunately the Frenchman is still to secure silverware with the North London giants.

David Jack

Tenure: 1928-1934
Signed from: Bolton for £10,890
Arsenal Appearances: 208
Arsenal Goals: 124
Achievements: 1930/31,1932/33, 1933/34 League championships and the 1930 FA Cup

A brilliant playmaker who was also incredible in front of the goal, as his statistics highlight—with 124 strikes. Most notably, Jack recorded 34 during the triumphant 1930/1931 season.

The Englishman's prolific form has earned him the honor of being the ninth highest goal scorer in Arsenal history.

Unfortunately, Jack died on September 10th, 1958. He was 59.

Martin Keown

Tenure: 1980-1986. 1993-2004
Signed from: Everton for £2 million
Arsenal Appearances: 449
Arsenal Goals: 8
Achievements: 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles,1998, 2002, 2003 FA Cup,1998,1999, 2002 FA Community Shield, 1994 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

Although Keown began his footballing career as a youth at Arsenal, the Englishman departed in 1986 before returning in 1993 to become one of the most efficient and strongest defenders of his generation.

The former England international is widely known as one of the best man markers of his generation, and was always seen as a fan favourite.

Keown won nine major trophies whilst at Highbury.

Marc Overmars

Tenure: 1997-2000
Signed from: Ajax for £5.5 million
Arsenal Appearances: 142
Arsenal Goals: 41
Achievements: 1997/1998 Premier League, 1998 FA Cup, 1998 Charity Shield

The Dutch sensation was a devastatingly quick winger who tormented defences and possessed a vicious strike.

Overmars was a success in English football, as his superb speed made him an effective attacker.

Incredibly potent on the wing, the Dutchman was a huge asset to the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and the other Arsenal strikers.

Overmars also managed to maintain a healthy goal scoring rate and boasted an impressive 16 during his first season with the Gunners.

Overmars was integral as Wenger's men secured the 1997/1998 FA and League double in what was easily the Dutch international's best season.

Overmars was then sold to Barcelona in 2000 for an outstanding £25 million, making him the most expensive Dutch player of all time.

At the time, it also made him the most expensive player to be sold by a British club, and the most expensive to be signed by a Spanish club.

Gilberto Silva

Tenure: 2002-2008
Signed from: Atlético Mineiro for £4.5 million
Arsenal Appearances: 237
Arsenal Goals: 24
Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League title, 2002/2003 and 2004/2005 FA Cup titles, 2002 and 2004 Community Shield titles.

One of the most respected and composed midfielders in Arsenal history, Gilberto was a calm, assuring presence in the Arsenal midfield. 

He played a pivotal role in the Gunners' renowned 2003/2004 Premier League title in which Arsene Wenger's side avoid defeat for the entire English Premier League season.

A natural leader and peacemaker, the Samba Star wass an outstanding figure to Arsenal, Brazil and World Football in general.

Gilberto joined Greek giants Panathinaikos in 2008, concluding an excellent career in the red and white.

Kolo Toure

Tenure: 2002-2009
Signed from: ASEC Mimosas for £150,000
Arsenal Appearances: 326
Arsenal Goals: 14
Achievements: 2003/2004 Premier League title, 2002/2003 and 2004/2005 FA Cup titles, 2002 and 2004 Community Shield titles

One of Arsene Wenger's best buys, due to the low cost and the performances Ivorian Kolo Toure produced.

Initially a utility player, covering roles in the midfield and even at striker, the African star established himself as an immense centre back—particularly during Arsenal's 2003/2004 Invincibles campaign.

A composed, energetic player, Toure was well regarded by team mates and fans, but unforunately an ongoing dispute with William Gallas saw Wenger wrongly sell Toure to Manchester City for £16 million in 2009.

Alan Ball Jr

Tenure: 1971-1976
Signed from: Everton for £220,000
Arsenal Appearances: 217
Arsenal Goals: 52
Achievements: N/A

Although Alan Ball Jr. failed to achieve silverware with Arsenal, the Englishman was a fearless leader who gave it his all for the Gunners, and constantly produced sensational football with moments of brilliance.

Ball was made captain in 1974 as the North London giants began to enter a slight decline. Nonetheless, the English international continued to perform at an immense level before leaving Highbury in 1976 to join Southampton for £60,000.

An English veteran who enjoyed a strong stint in management, Ball died on April 25th, 2007, as a footballing legend.

Nwankwo Kanu

Tenure: 1999-2004
Signed from: Inter Milan for £4.15 million
Arsenal Appearances: 198
Arsenal Goals: 44
Achievements: 2001,2002 and 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 FA Cup titles,1999 Community Shield

The imposing Nigerian was a strong, powerful striker who played a large part in Arsenal's early 2000 FA Cup and League triumphs.

The striker will always be remembered for his stunning hat-trick in 15 minutes to ensure Arsenal overturned a 2-0 deficit against rivals Chelsea.

Predominantly an impact substitution player, Kanu was always reliable and composed near goal.

David Seaman

Tenure: 1990-2003
Signed from: Queens Park Rangers for £1.3 million
Arsenal Appearances: 564
Arsenal Goals: 0
Achievements: League Championship 1991, 1998, 2002, FA Cup 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, League Cup 1993, European Cup Winners' Cup 1994 

One of the greatest Arsenal players of all time ,and easily the greatest Gunners keeper.

With his pony tail and amazing reflexes, the Englishman was a stalwart in the Arsenal goal for well over a decade. During this time, he achieved monumental status and became a regular for England.

A fearless leader and true Arsenal player, few have forgotten David Seaman.

Cliff Bastin

Tenure: 1929-1946
Signed from: Exeter City
Arsenal Appearances: 396
Arsenal Goals: 178
Achievements: 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1938 League Championships, 1930, 1936 FA Cups

One of the greatest Arsenal strikers of all time, Cliff Bastin was a hugely clinical figure for the Gunners, amassing historic goal scoring figures.

He long held the record of Arsenal's top goalscorer before Ian Wright and then Thierry Henry surpassed him.

Bastin was an energetic, skillfull forward, who was arguably the best player of his generation.

Alexandre Song

Tenure: 2005-
Signed from: Bastia for £1 million
Arsenal Appearances: 171
Arsenal Goals: 10
Achievements: N/A

In just a few short years, Alex Song has become one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, after arriving at Arsenal as an unknown prospect.

A tough, composed, versatile presence who constantly impresses with his energy and work rate, Song is respected figure throughout World Football.

The 24-year-old recently captained the Gunners for the first time, and he has become a real fan favourite at the Emirates.

Ian Wright

Tenure: 1991-1998
Signed from: Crystal Palace for £2.5 million
Arsenal Appearances: 288
Arsenal Goals: 185
Achievements: League Championship 1998,  FA Cup 1993, 1998, League Cup 1993, European Cup Winners' Cup 1994

The Englishman flourished at Arsenal, where he became one of the best English strikers of the 90's.

A quick, small yet clinical striker, Wright managed 30 goals or more in four of his six seasons at the Gunners, and only once managed less than 20.

A natural leader and one heck of a goal scorer, Wright is a true Arsenal legend.

Cesc Fabregas

Tenure: 2003-
Arsenal Appearances: 303
Arsenal Goals: 57
Achievements: 2004/2005 FA Cup

Arsenal's youngest ever player to professionally debut, Cesc Fabregas may just be the most technically perfect and intelligent player Arsenal has ever possessed.

The Spaniard has been one of World Football's best players of the last decade, yet he is merely 24 years old.

Fabregas arrived in 2003 as a 16-year-old, at 16 years and 177 days he became the youngest Arsenal player.

Since then, the Spanish international has gone from strength to strength with each season, continuing to convey amazing maturity, skill, creativity and composure.

Fabregas was named captain in November of 2008 and has twice made the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, alongside winning Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

Fabregas returned to Barcelona, after years of speculation, in the recent summer for £35 million.

Robert Pires

Tenure: 2000-2006
Signed from: AS Monaco for £6 million
Arsenal Appearances: 284
Arsenal Goals: 84
Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003 2004/2005 FA Cup, 2002, 2004 FA Community Shield

The Frenchman was an absolute triumph with the Gunners, and could easily be considered the greatest Arsenal winger of all time.

Not only could the France international set up goals, Pires was a lethal goal threat, securing double figure goal amounts in every season bar his first, with a career best 19 during 2003/2004.

With an amazing partnership with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Fredrick Ljungberg, Pires dazzled and starred, playing a major role in Arsenal's dominance during the early 2000's.

Pires made the PFA Team of the Year on three occasions and even won the FWA Player of the Year in 2001/2002 after a sublime season. There is no denying Robert Pires was a superb Arsenal midfielder.

Dennis Bergkamp

Tenure: 1995-2006
Signed from: Inter Milan for £7.5
Arsenal Appearances: 423
Arsenal Goals: 120
Achievements: 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 1997/1998, 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2004/2005 FA Cup,1998, 2002, 2004 FA Community Shield

A huge contender for the greatest Arsenal player of all time. An amazing, elegant, skilled forward who produced moments on the football field that epitomized a world wide love for football.

The Dutchman was fast, composed and brilliant, playing a vital role in the success that has emerged at Arsenal in the last 15 years.

Considered the greatest Dutchman of his generation, Bergkamp formed lethal partnerships with the likes of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and more to form the backbone of the Arsenal dynasty.

Robin Van Persie

Tenure: 2004-
Signed from: Feyenoord for ££2.75 million
Arsenal Appearances: 244
Arsenal Goals: 107
Achievements: 2004/2005 FA Cup

Considered ultimate modern-day forward, Robin van Persie is the current heart and soul of Arsenal—their fearless leader and their unstoppable goal scorer.

Elegant, creative, aggressive and strong, van Persie has grown and grown at Arsenal despite a number of injury woes.

The Dutchman boasts a lethal left foot and free kick brilliance, ensuring he is touted as the best player to emulate Dennis Bergkamp.

Currently has 30 goals from 34 appearances in 2011.

Fredrik Ljungberg

Tenure: 1998-2007
Signed from: Halmstads BK for £3 million
Arsenal Appearances: 328
Arsenal Goals: 72
Achievements: 2001/2002 2003/2004 Premier League, 2002, 2003, 2005 FA Cup

The Swedish winger was another fan favourite, whose energy and powerful surges down the wing tormented defences throughout the late 90's and early 2000's.

Ljungberg instantly won fans' hearts when the Swede scored on his debut in the FA Cup against Manchester United, minutes after arriving onto the field.

Ljungberg was a smart and evasive winger who possessed an accurate cross but also managed to be a consistent goalscorer, managing a career best 17 during the 2001/2002 season.

A passionate Arsenal player, Ljungberg was an entertaining prospect who always gave his best and was outstanding during the 2003/2004 Invincibles season.

Ljungberg twice won the Gullbollen whilst with Arsenal.

A much loved figure.

Patrick Vieira

Tenure: 1996-2005
Signed from: AC Milan for £3.5 million
Arsenal Appearances: 406
Arsenal Goals: 33
Achievements: 1997/1998 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003 2004/2005 FA Cup, 1998 2002, 2003 2005 FA Community Shield 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004

The greatest Arsenal midfielder, hands down.

The fearless leader who lead Arsenal to their Invincibles glory, Arsenal have yet to secure silverware since his departure from the club in 2005.

Vieira arrived at Highbury as an unknown, but left as a superstar. Tough, imposing, agile, tenacious, composed, intelligent, the traits were endless. The Frenchman lead from the front as he constantly destroyed attacks as a defensive midfielder and created attacks as the dominant playmaker.

Arsenal achieved so much with his presence, and Patrick Vieira is Arsenal's greatest midfielder.

Lauren

Tenure: 2000-2007
Signed from: Real Mallorca for £7.2
Arsenal Appearances: 406
Arsenal Goals: 33
Achievements: 2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003 2004/2005 FA Cup,  2002, 2003 2005 FA Community Shield  2002, 2004

One of the greatest and underrated Arsenal and English Premier League players. Lauren was a quiet yet tenacious and extremely efficient right back who was almost impossible to evade, and he was pivotal during Arsene Wenger's success in the 2000's.

A much loved Arsenal presence, a severe knee injury curtailed his career in North London, but nonetheless the Cameroon international had given a huge amount to the Gunners.

Thierry Henry

Tenure: 1999-2007
Signed from: Juventus for £11 million
Arsenal Appearances: 369
Arsenal Goals: 226
Achievements:  2001/2002, 2003/2004 Premier League titles, 2001/2002, 2002/2003 2004/2005 FA Cup, 1998 2002, 2003 2005 FA Community Shield  2002, 2004

The greatest Arsenal goal scorer of all time. The Frenchman became World Football's best player during his career at the Gunners, showing amazing skill, flair and ability to score.

In every season bar his last Henry amassed over 20 goals, exceeding 30 on five consecutive occasions.

During Arsenal's monumental 2003/2004 campaign, the Frenchman boasted 39 goals in 51 appearances for Arsenal.

A fearless and impressive leader and an amazing striker, words are not enough to describe Thierry Henry's contribution at Arsenal.

Sold to Barcelona for £24 million in 2007.