Top 5 foreigners to have played for Arsenal in the Premier League

Over the years, Arsenal have become one of the top teams in Europe and have come very close to touching the trophy. While they may have not won a trophy for eight years, the period previous to this barren run was the most fruitful in their history.They most certainly proved their critics that they were a force to be reckoned with. While their squad has been built upon English talent like Tony Adams in the past and French in the present, there were always Non-English who were the heart of the side.Lets take a look at the top 5 foreigners to have played for Arsenal in the Premier League era:

#5 Cesc Fabregas

Every single word in this note is justified. In 2003, when Arsenal prized away the 16-year-old from Camp Nou, Louis Van Gaal, the then Barcelona coach, left a note on the Catalan President’s desk,

‘You’ve just lost one of the most talented players Barca has ever produced.’

Such was the brilliance of Fabregas that he debuted in a league cup tie barely two months later becoming Arsenal’s youngest ever Professional footballer.

The sheer mention of Cesc Fabregas brings a smile to the lips of Arsenal fans. When Patrick Viera left for Juventus, this little kid from Catalonia stepped in to replace him. And he did a wonderful job. He was the architect of an Arsenal side whose trophy count was diminishing by the day.

At the age of 21, he captained Arsenal and was heading a side who averaged 23 years. He was a genius and there are not many in the Premier League who can match up to the charisma that he possessed.

He was Arsenal’s prodigal son. The man whom they will never forget. But, in 2011, he left the Emirates. He returned home. Barca, apparently had to pay 34mn for his services, a dent which is yet to be repaired at Arsenal. Though they have Ozil, he will never replace Cesc in the hearts of Gooners.