In the modern times of the inflated transfer market, the Premier League has been a witness to some of the biggest deals in the history of the game. Big money deals have become a part of the game now, talented or not, every player attracts over-the-top price, mainly due to the involvement of agents.
But one manager who has, more often than not, been on target for spotting value for money is Arsene Wenger. His pragmatic approach may be criticised, blames may be levelled against the Frenchman, but one cannot deny the fact that, Wenger has managed to unearth some truly world class talents, in the likes of Patrick Viera, Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires etc., all at a considerably less investment.
With the January transfer window looming large upon us, let’s take a look at the three best bargain transfer deals for the Gunners, since the turn of the century:
Kolo Toure
Wenger bought Toure from ASEC Mimosas for £150,000 in 2002. An unknown quantity when Arsene brought in the Ivory Coast defender, he went down as one of the best defenders to have played for Arsenal.
The Ivorian went on to play more than 300 times for Arsenal and that too during the peak of his career. He, alongside Sol Campbell, was a central part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad from the season of 2003-04. Was eventually sold to Manchester City for £16 million in 2009, returning a massive profit to the club after having played for seven seasons at Arsenal.
In a decorated career under Wenger, Toure won the 2003-04 Premier League Trophy, along with two FA Cup triumphs in 2002-03 and 2004-05 and two FA Community Shield victories (2002, 2004). Came in for a price next to nothing, gave his best years to Arsenal and was sold for a huge profit.
Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard joined Arsenal as a 16-year old from the renowned La Masia academy of Barcelona for a compensation fee of £500,000 in 2003.
It did not take long for Fabregas to become a regular feature in the Gunners’ side with injuries to players like Patrick Viera and Edu giving him his opportunity. And he grabbed his chances with both hands and not before too long, he was the hub of the Arsenal midfield.
With key players like Viera, Henry all departing, the onus of carrying Arsenal forward was thrust open the midfielder and he did not shy away from the responsibility. Throughout Arsenal’s barren spell after the 2005 FA Cup triumph, Fabregas was their star player and also managed to win the PFA Young Player of the Year Award for the 2007-08 season which led to the Arsenal captaincy being handed to him in the three seasons to come.
With 303 games and 57 goals for the Gunners’, he decided to return back to his boyhood club Barcelona in 2011 and the move, surrounded with controversies, was completed for £35 million.
Wenger will always have the disappointment of losing his best prodigy, just when he was about to enter his peak years, but there is no doubting that Fabregas was a brilliant piece of transfer for the Gunners.
Robin van Persie
The Dutchman was prized away from Feyenoord by Wenger in 2004 for just £2.5 million and went on to become one of the best strikers to have played in the Premier League in recent times.
A left-winger when he started out, Wenger managed to convert him into one of the most lethal centre-forwards in the world of football. Amazing ball control, ability to make piercing runs and top-class finishing were some of Van Persie’s prominent attributes. He was also an expert at set-pieces and accounted for many goals and assists from dead ball situations.
In a tenure, that was marred by regular injuries, Van Persie made 288 appearances for the club, scoring 132 goals in the process that included a prolific 17-month period between January 2011 and May 2012 when he scored 59 goals for the Gunners.
Having won only two trophies with the Gunners, the 2004 Community Shield and the 2004-05 FA Cup, he decided to move on from the Emirates in search of silverware. Was sold to Manchester United in 2012 for £24 million, much to the anger and disappointment of Arsenal fans.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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