Sol Campbell (2001-2006/2010)
Sol Campbell’s switch from Tottenham to Arsenal was one of the most controversial signings by Wenger, but proved to be a great one. Wenger signed the powerful centre-back on a free from their fierce rivals in 2001. Sol Campbell was an ideal candidate to fill the void that Tony Adams had left in the Arsenal defence.
Campbell spent 5 years with Arsenal where he lifted 2 Premier League titles, 3 F.A Cups and 2 Community shields.
In 2006 he left for Portsmouth where he spent 3 years at the southern club. The defender then made a shocking move to Notts County where he only played one game for the club before deciding to leave. In January 2010, Sol Campbell made a return to Arsenal and showed he still had it, sadly he was not offered a new contract by the Gunners. Campbell now turns out for Newcastle United.
Jens Lehmann (2003-2006)
Despite what anyone thinks the capture of Jens Lehmann was one of Wenger’s best signings as Arsenal boss. Granted, the goalkeeper had a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality about him, but the German was a class act for Arsenal football club.
Wenger signed Lehmann from Borussia Dortmund in 2003 for an undisclosed fee as a possible replacement for David Seaman. The German goal-stopper was a consistent performer for the club. His best feat came in the 2003-04 season when Arsenal went the entire season unbeaten to win the title; Lehmann played every game in the league that season.
Many fans adored his temperamental behaviour and some have said that Lehmann has been their best goalkeeper since David Seaman’s departure. The German stayed with Arsenal for 5 years before moving back to Germany to play for Stuttgart. He has since retired and is now a pundit on German football.
Cesc Fabregas (2003-Present)
Fabregas arrived from Barcelona when he was just 16 in September 2003. Since then, Wenger has nurtured and helped the youngster grow into one of footballs most talented stars.
Fabregas was appointed the clubs captain in 2008 and is now their talisman and prized asset. The midfield maestro pulls the strings for Arsenal these days and has great technique and skill in abundance.
Fabregas has been with Arsenal for seven years now and the 23-year-old has already managed to appear (in all competitions) 277 and bag 52 times for the Gunners.
His future at Arsenal was in doubt this summer as he was considering a move to Barcelona. However, Wenger fought off the Spanish Giants and managed to keep his captain at the club for at least another season. Fabregas is without a doubt one of Wenger’s best ever signings.
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