The Gunners came so close to securing a Robin van Persie upgrade in 2013. Arsenal have played host to some truly legendary strikers across their illustrious history.
Boasting a rich wealth of talented frontmen who have all come in, scored for fun and departed as heroes.
Whilst Thierry Henry stands out above all else, as the king of north London, his quality is supplement by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright, Nicolas Anelka and many more. It seems that no matter how the side has been performing, whether challenging for titles or seeking a top-four finish, there has always been a quality marksman to spearhead their teams.
Current Premier League Standings
However, not all are remembered with fondness, as contentious moves and a search for silverware can often lead some stars astray.
With Robin van Persie, joining arch-rivals Manchester United was a transfer that any club captain simply could not make, but he did, and for a lowly £24m too.
Whilst the Dutchman quickly saw his move vindicated, it remains a deal that is still yet to be accept around the Emirates, who lauded the 40-year-old like the hero he was, only to have him turn his back on them as he reached his prime years.
How good was Robin van Persie?
Signed as a youngster from Feyenoord, Arsene Wenger knew that the Gunners had snagged a true star in the making. “Robin is a great young talent and a fantastic signing for the club,
” he would tell the media after his announcement,
which came the year after he had led his team to an unbeaten Premier League title.
As often was the case, the Frenchman was quickly proven correct with his sentiment, as the 102-cap superstar would go on to feature 278 times for his side, scoring 132 and assisting 58.
He would enjoy some of the most proficient years of his career in north London,
Yet did still score 274 across his entire 18 years as a professional at the top level.
However, such blistering form was always going to command elite honours to match that level,
When Arsenal could not offer it, he was quick to look elsewhere.
Having hit 30 goals and assisted 13 in the league during the 2011/12 term,
The allure of Old Trafford proved too much,
Van Persie would swoop with little hesitation,
Quickly firing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to the title the year following with another stellar campaign boasting 26 goals and 15 assists.
It is the capture of such silverware that capped off an outstanding tenure at the top,
With the former Feyenoord man holding no regrets regarding the manner of his Emirates exit:
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