Arsene Wenger's top 10 bargain Buy


Despite having a reported £50 million available to him, the Gunners boss refuses to splash out on a big-money signing, preferring to bring in youngsters at bargain prices and develop them into superstars.

And why not? It's a policy that has worked for the Frenchmen for 13 years now. 

Here are the top ten bargain buys done by Mr.Wenger:

10) Emmanuel Petit Signed for £2.5m, sold for £7m


One of Wenger's earliest signings at Highbury, Petit arrived from the Arsenal manager's former club Monaco for a mere £2.5m in the summer of 1997. Wenger switched him from centre-back to midfield and partnered him with Patrick Vieira. He immediately looked at home in his new role and it brought instant success as he helped the Gunners to a Premier League and FA Cup Double in his first season. In 2000 he was sold to Barcelona for £7m.

9) Emmanuel Adebayor Signed for £7m, sold for £25m

Wenger plundered his old club Monaco again to sign Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor for a fee reported variously as between £3m and £7m in 2006. He looked strong but pretty hopeless at finishing in his first season in London, but Wenger soon had him shooting straight and he became pivotal to the Arsenal attack, scoring 30 goals in his second season at the club. Before long, however, the vultures were circling and after the striker fell out with the Arsenal fans, Wenger flogged him to Manchester City for a hefty £25m. 

8) Robin van Persie Signed for £2.75m

The Dutchman was signed for just £2.75m from Feyenoord in 2004 as Wenger looked to repeat his trick with Thierry Henry and turn the left-winger into a striker. After an injury-hit first few years at Highbury, van Persie has blossomed since Henry's departure, weighing in with more goals and more responsibility – he has even captained the team this season. 

7) Marc Overmars Signed for £5.5m, sold for £25m

One of the few players to arrive at Arsenal with a big reputation already, the Dutchman had won the European Cup with Ajax in 1995, only for a serious knee injury to keep him out of Euro 96 and raise doubts about his future. Wenger wasn't put off though, and paid £5.5m for him in 1997. He proved his worth in his first season contributing vital goals as Arsenal won the Double, including the only goal in an away win at Manchester United, and the opener in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle. After three good years in London he was sold to Barcelona for £25m – five times what Wenger paid for him and the record fee for any Dutch player at the time. 

6) Nicolas Anelka Signed for £500,000, sold for £22m

Snapped up for a piffling £500,000 from Paris Saint-Germain in 1997, he too played a crucial role in the 1998 Double and scored the second goal in Arsenal's FA Cup Final win over Newcastle. When his legendary grouchy mood descended, Wenger didn't hang around and offloaded him to Real Madrid who paid £22m for the privilege. 

5) Kolo Toure Signed for £150,000, sold for £16m

Another unknown picked up for an unbelievable £150,000 from ASEC Mimosas in February 2002 and sold this summer to Manchester City for £16m. Not a bad profit – especially after seven loyal years of service to Arsenal during which he was one of their most consistent performers and helped them to the Premier League title and two FA Cup wins. 

4) Patrick Vieira Signed for £3.5m, sold for £18m

Wenger's first signing and undoubtedly one of his best. Ignored at AC Milan where he made just two first-team appearances, Wenger insisted that Arsenal buy him before taking on the job. Just £3.5m was enough to sign the Frenchman who went on to become one of the defining players of the last decade. After winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cup Finals, the Gunners skipper eventually moved on to Juventus in 2005 – for a tidy profit, of course. 

3) Sol Campbell Signed for free, left on a free

With the famed Arsenal defence of Tony Adams and Martin Keown nearing the end of its life, Wenger was forced to bring in reinforcements but he stunned the football world when he signed Sol Campbell from Tottenham in 2001 on a free transfer. After five years at the heart of the Gunners back-line, three FA Cup wins and two Premier League winners' medals, he left for "a new challenge". He is the only player on this list who didn't make a profit for the club, but then, he was signed for nothing. 

2) Cesc Fabregas Signed for free

Another player picked up for nothing by Wenger who snaffled the young Spaniard from Barcelona in 2003 when he was just 16. Gradually blooded into the first team, Fabregas found himself with more and more opportunities as the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva left the club. By 2005 he was a first-team regular and last year he was made captain, aged just 21. 

1) Thierry Henry Signed for £10m, sold for £16m


One of Wenger's biggest outlays at £10m, but he tops the list for his outstanding contribution to the Gunners cause over eight hugely successful years. The epitome of Wenger's football philosophy, the French striker was the darling of Highbury for his elegant style, electric pace and happy goalscoring knack. Took Ian Wright's record as Arsenal top scorer, won the FA Cup three times and the Premier League twice before leaving for Barcelona in 2007, for a £6m profit.

Arsene Wenger's top 10 bargain Buy


Despite having a reported £50 million available to him, the Gunners boss refuses to splash out on a big-money signing, preferring to bring in youngsters at bargain prices and develop them into superstars.

And why not? It's a policy that has worked for the Frenchmen for 13 years now. 

Here are the top ten bargain buys done by Mr.Wenger:

10) Emmanuel Petit Signed for £2.5m, sold for £7m


One of Wenger's earliest signings at Highbury, Petit arrived from the Arsenal manager's former club Monaco for a mere £2.5m in the summer of 1997. Wenger switched him from centre-back to midfield and partnered him with Patrick Vieira. He immediately looked at home in his new role and it brought instant success as he helped the Gunners to a Premier League and FA Cup Double in his first season. In 2000 he was sold to Barcelona for £7m.

9) Emmanuel Adebayor Signed for £7m, sold for £25m

Wenger plundered his old club Monaco again to sign Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor for a fee reported variously as between £3m and £7m in 2006. He looked strong but pretty hopeless at finishing in his first season in London, but Wenger soon had him shooting straight and he became pivotal to the Arsenal attack, scoring 30 goals in his second season at the club. Before long, however, the vultures were circling and after the striker fell out with the Arsenal fans, Wenger flogged him to Manchester City for a hefty £25m. 

8) Robin van Persie Signed for £2.75m

The Dutchman was signed for just £2.75m from Feyenoord in 2004 as Wenger looked to repeat his trick with Thierry Henry and turn the left-winger into a striker. After an injury-hit first few years at Highbury, van Persie has blossomed since Henry's departure, weighing in with more goals and more responsibility – he has even captained the team this season. 

7) Marc Overmars Signed for £5.5m, sold for £25m

One of the few players to arrive at Arsenal with a big reputation already, the Dutchman had won the European Cup with Ajax in 1995, only for a serious knee injury to keep him out of Euro 96 and raise doubts about his future. Wenger wasn't put off though, and paid £5.5m for him in 1997. He proved his worth in his first season contributing vital goals as Arsenal won the Double, including the only goal in an away win at Manchester United, and the opener in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle. After three good years in London he was sold to Barcelona for £25m – five times what Wenger paid for him and the record fee for any Dutch player at the time. 

6) Nicolas Anelka Signed for £500,000, sold for £22m

Snapped up for a piffling £500,000 from Paris Saint-Germain in 1997, he too played a crucial role in the 1998 Double and scored the second goal in Arsenal's FA Cup Final win over Newcastle. When his legendary grouchy mood descended, Wenger didn't hang around and offloaded him to Real Madrid who paid £22m for the privilege. 

5) Kolo Toure Signed for £150,000, sold for £16m

Another unknown picked up for an unbelievable £150,000 from ASEC Mimosas in February 2002 and sold this summer to Manchester City for £16m. Not a bad profit – especially after seven loyal years of service to Arsenal during which he was one of their most consistent performers and helped them to the Premier League title and two FA Cup wins. 

4) Patrick Vieira Signed for £3.5m, sold for £18m

Wenger's first signing and undoubtedly one of his best. Ignored at AC Milan where he made just two first-team appearances, Wenger insisted that Arsenal buy him before taking on the job. Just £3.5m was enough to sign the Frenchman who went on to become one of the defining players of the last decade. After winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cup Finals, the Gunners skipper eventually moved on to Juventus in 2005 – for a tidy profit, of course. 

3) Sol Campbell Signed for free, left on a free

With the famed Arsenal defence of Tony Adams and Martin Keown nearing the end of its life, Wenger was forced to bring in reinforcements but he stunned the football world when he signed Sol Campbell from Tottenham in 2001 on a free transfer. After five years at the heart of the Gunners back-line, three FA Cup wins and two Premier League winners' medals, he left for "a new challenge". He is the only player on this list who didn't make a profit for the club, but then, he was signed for nothing. 

2) Cesc Fabregas Signed for free

Another player picked up for nothing by Wenger who snaffled the young Spaniard from Barcelona in 2003 when he was just 16. Gradually blooded into the first team, Fabregas found himself with more and more opportunities as the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva left the club. By 2005 he was a first-team regular and last year he was made captain, aged just 21. 

1) Thierry Henry Signed for £10m, sold for £16m


One of Wenger's biggest outlays at £10m, but he tops the list for his outstanding contribution to the Gunners cause over eight hugely successful years. The epitome of Wenger's football philosophy, the French striker was the darling of Highbury for his elegant style, electric pace and happy goalscoring knack. Took Ian Wright's record as Arsenal top scorer, won the FA Cup three times and the Premier League twice before leaving for Barcelona in 2007, for a £6m profit.

Reserves: West Ham 2-4 Arsenal


Sol Campbell pulled on an Arsenal shirt on Tuesday night for the first time since May 2006 and completed 45 minutes as the Gunners' second string defeated their West Ham counterparts 4-2 at Upton Park.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas hit a hat-trick and Emmanuel Frimpong was also on target as Neil Banfield's side moved to within just two points of Aston Villa at the top of the Premier Reserve League South.

The Gunners were 2-0 up at half-time but two penalties saw West Ham level the scores. However Arsenal weren't done and Frimpong restored their lead before Emmanuel-Thomas added a fourth in stoppage time.

It was a fine performance from the visitors but the big story was Campbell's return. The 35-year-old has been training with Arsène Wenger's squad and played tonight after securing a Reserve League registration while talks continue over the prospect of a permanent move back to Arsenal.

Campbell's first action came just two minutes in when he shielded the ball from Freddie Sears and minutes later he dispossessed Fabio Daprela as the full back charged forward through the midfield.

A handful of 20-yard efforts were all that Arsenal had to show despite dominating possession in the opening quarter of the game. Mark Randall and Gilles Sunu tried their luck. The former's shot was held by the Hammers' keeper and the latter's attempt was drilled just wide of goal.

With 25 minutes on the clock Fran Merida took the Gunners' first corner of the match. It was a teasing delivery from the 19-year-old but just a little high for anyone to make a connection.

Just minutes later a second corner was delivered slightly lower by the Spanish midfielder and Arsenal had the lead as Emmanuel-Thomas rose highest to meet it. His powerful glancing header from the near post beat Marek Stech

Moments later the West Ham keeper was retrieving the ball from the back of his net again.

Kerrea Gilbert fed Emmanuel-Thomas down the right wing and last season's FA Youth Cup-winning captain cut inside to work himself into a shooting position. From the edge of the six-yard box the 19-year-old fired his left-footed shot into the back of the net to cap a slick Arsenal move and double the visitors' lead.

The hosts' best chance of the first-half arrived in the 40th minute when Daprela crossed to Sears. However the England youth international sliced his shot over the bar.

Campbell was withdrawn at half-time and Ignasi Miquel was introduced in his place. Mark Randall also came off with Frimpong entering the fray.

Ten minutes after the break the Hammers were back in it. A late follow-through in the area was penalised and Sears had an opportunity to make it 2-1 from the spot. The young striker made no mistake and though Vito Mannone dived the right way, the spot-kick was too well placed for the Italian to reach.

In the 78th minute Kyle Bartley was harshly adjudged to have mis-timed what look to be an inch-perfect tackle on a West Ham forward. Sears stepped up to take the penalty once again and this time went to Mannone's left to score the Hammers' equaliser.

But just five minutes later Arsenal's lead was restored. Frimpong collected the ball 20 yards from goal and powered a well-placed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

With two minutes left Merida almost sealed the points with an effort from 10 yards, slight left of goal. The Spaniard looked for the far corner but Stech's good reflexes saw him make an impressive save.

And in stoppage time the victory was ensured as Emmanuel-Thomas completed his hat trick with a left-footed drive across goal.

It was a convincing and dominant display from Banfield's side who were inspired rather than distracted by the star turn in their starting XI. And at the halfway stage of the season the Gunners' second string sit just two points behind leaders Villa.

Reserves: West Ham 2-4 Arsenal


Sol Campbell pulled on an Arsenal shirt on Tuesday night for the first time since May 2006 and completed 45 minutes as the Gunners' second string defeated their West Ham counterparts 4-2 at Upton Park.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas hit a hat-trick and Emmanuel Frimpong was also on target as Neil Banfield's side moved to within just two points of Aston Villa at the top of the Premier Reserve League South.

The Gunners were 2-0 up at half-time but two penalties saw West Ham level the scores. However Arsenal weren't done and Frimpong restored their lead before Emmanuel-Thomas added a fourth in stoppage time.

It was a fine performance from the visitors but the big story was Campbell's return. The 35-year-old has been training with Arsène Wenger's squad and played tonight after securing a Reserve League registration while talks continue over the prospect of a permanent move back to Arsenal.

Campbell's first action came just two minutes in when he shielded the ball from Freddie Sears and minutes later he dispossessed Fabio Daprela as the full back charged forward through the midfield.

A handful of 20-yard efforts were all that Arsenal had to show despite dominating possession in the opening quarter of the game. Mark Randall and Gilles Sunu tried their luck. The former's shot was held by the Hammers' keeper and the latter's attempt was drilled just wide of goal.

With 25 minutes on the clock Fran Merida took the Gunners' first corner of the match. It was a teasing delivery from the 19-year-old but just a little high for anyone to make a connection.

Just minutes later a second corner was delivered slightly lower by the Spanish midfielder and Arsenal had the lead as Emmanuel-Thomas rose highest to meet it. His powerful glancing header from the near post beat Marek Stech

Moments later the West Ham keeper was retrieving the ball from the back of his net again.

Kerrea Gilbert fed Emmanuel-Thomas down the right wing and last season's FA Youth Cup-winning captain cut inside to work himself into a shooting position. From the edge of the six-yard box the 19-year-old fired his left-footed shot into the back of the net to cap a slick Arsenal move and double the visitors' lead.

The hosts' best chance of the first-half arrived in the 40th minute when Daprela crossed to Sears. However the England youth international sliced his shot over the bar.

Campbell was withdrawn at half-time and Ignasi Miquel was introduced in his place. Mark Randall also came off with Frimpong entering the fray.

Ten minutes after the break the Hammers were back in it. A late follow-through in the area was penalised and Sears had an opportunity to make it 2-1 from the spot. The young striker made no mistake and though Vito Mannone dived the right way, the spot-kick was too well placed for the Italian to reach.

In the 78th minute Kyle Bartley was harshly adjudged to have mis-timed what look to be an inch-perfect tackle on a West Ham forward. Sears stepped up to take the penalty once again and this time went to Mannone's left to score the Hammers' equaliser.

But just five minutes later Arsenal's lead was restored. Frimpong collected the ball 20 yards from goal and powered a well-placed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

With two minutes left Merida almost sealed the points with an effort from 10 yards, slight left of goal. The Spaniard looked for the far corner but Stech's good reflexes saw him make an impressive save.

And in stoppage time the victory was ensured as Emmanuel-Thomas completed his hat trick with a left-footed drive across goal.

It was a convincing and dominant display from Banfield's side who were inspired rather than distracted by the star turn in their starting XI. And at the halfway stage of the season the Gunners' second string sit just two points behind leaders Villa.

Gunners looking for Matt gloss

ARSENAL are battling Manchester United for Cardiff City wonderkid Adam Matthews.

The defender, 17, is seen as one of the best youngsters outside the top flight and has already played for Wales Under-21s.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale insists he will do everything he can to ensure Williams stays.

He said: "We have had two or three enquiries and I know Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in the lad.

"But there is no agreement with any club, verbal or otherwise.

"We want Adam to stay with Cardiff."

The Bluebirds are no strangers to big clubs chasing their starlets.

Arsenal pipped United to sign Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey in June 2008 for a fee rising to around £5million.

Matthews has made 17 appearances this season.

Gunners looking for Matt gloss

ARSENAL are battling Manchester United for Cardiff City wonderkid Adam Matthews.

The defender, 17, is seen as one of the best youngsters outside the top flight and has already played for Wales Under-21s.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale insists he will do everything he can to ensure Williams stays.

He said: "We have had two or three enquiries and I know Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in the lad.

"But there is no agreement with any club, verbal or otherwise.

"We want Adam to stay with Cardiff."

The Bluebirds are no strangers to big clubs chasing their starlets.

Arsenal pipped United to sign Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey in June 2008 for a fee rising to around £5million.

Matthews has made 17 appearances this season.

Wenger swoop for cole

ARSENE WENGER will launch a £9million bid for West Ham hitman Carlton Cole if Nicklas Bendtner fails a Friday fitness test.

The Arsenal boss admitted: "There is no way we can carry on with only one striker.

"Bendtner is being treated now and will come back on Friday for tests. If he is out for another two months, we will need to buy someone, absolutely."

Dane Bendtner returns to the club for a series of medical tests this week after missing Arsenal's last 14 games with a groin injury.

And with Robin Van Persie unlikely to play again this season, Wenger needs more firepower.

Wenger said: "There is a 50-50 chance we'll sign somebody. Even if Bendtner is OK we will look around and if we find a good bargain we will still do it."

Unlike other potential targets, Cole would be eligible to play in this season's Champions League.

And crisis club West Ham would not stand in the way of his departure for the right price.

But there was bad news for Wenger last night when Atletico Madrid confirmed they have signed a pre-contract deal with Gunners whizkid Fran Merida.

Midfielder Merida, 19, was regarded as the next Fabregas when he was snapped up from Barcelona in 2005.

But he has run out of patience over his lack of first-team opportunities and will move to Atletico when his Arsenal contract expires in the summer. Wenger admitted: "I don't know for certain if he has signed but I fear the worst."

  • West Ham today fight FA charges over the Millwall riot at Upton Park. Home fans burst on the pitch three times.

    The cash-strapped Hammers can expect a huge fine if found guilty by the three-man disciplinary panel at Wembley Stadium.

  • Wenger swoop for cole

    ARSENE WENGER will launch a £9million bid for West Ham hitman Carlton Cole if Nicklas Bendtner fails a Friday fitness test.

    The Arsenal boss admitted: "There is no way we can carry on with only one striker.

    "Bendtner is being treated now and will come back on Friday for tests. If he is out for another two months, we will need to buy someone, absolutely."

    Dane Bendtner returns to the club for a series of medical tests this week after missing Arsenal's last 14 games with a groin injury.

    And with Robin Van Persie unlikely to play again this season, Wenger needs more firepower.

    Wenger said: "There is a 50-50 chance we'll sign somebody. Even if Bendtner is OK we will look around and if we find a good bargain we will still do it."

    Unlike other potential targets, Cole would be eligible to play in this season's Champions League.

    And crisis club West Ham would not stand in the way of his departure for the right price.

    But there was bad news for Wenger last night when Atletico Madrid confirmed they have signed a pre-contract deal with Gunners whizkid Fran Merida.

    Midfielder Merida, 19, was regarded as the next Fabregas when he was snapped up from Barcelona in 2005.

    But he has run out of patience over his lack of first-team opportunities and will move to Atletico when his Arsenal contract expires in the summer. Wenger admitted: "I don't know for certain if he has signed but I fear the worst."

  • West Ham today fight FA charges over the Millwall riot at Upton Park. Home fans burst on the pitch three times.

    The cash-strapped Hammers can expect a huge fine if found guilty by the three-man disciplinary panel at Wembley Stadium.