The Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern love Arsene Wenger’s eye for a bargain…
Key signings and bargain transfers have proven to be the backbone for Wenger’s success at Arsenal for the best part of 2 decades.
A number of seasons in recent years have ended with major disappointment for the Arsenal faithful, but Wenger may have finally gathered a squad of players capable of crossing the finishing line.
Arsene Wenger has proven his worth in the transfer market consistently in recent years – despite the lack of activity some fans wish to claim.
A number of key players have been brought in for practically nothing by the Frenchman – and more often than not they have left North London as club legends.
With that said, these are the 3 best bargain buys our landlord feels have made by Arsenal in the last 10 years – do you agree?
Laurent Koscielny
Signed in 2010 for just over £10 million, French international Laurent Koscielny has been a leader for the Gunners.
Here at the Tavern, our locals often fear a game without Koscielny due to his ever-lasting importance in the squad.
The central-defender has been the most consistent performer at the back for the Gunners since his arrival, and when you consider the fee paid by Wenger – it can only be considered astonishing business.
When you consider the price paid by some clubs for defensive flops, Koscielny’s fee is peanuts.
Bacary Sagna
This one is certainly not a popular choice with our Arsenal regulars, but Sagna’s 7 years at Arsenal were filled with consistent performances and breathe-taking defensive displays.
Sagna’s controversial move to Manchester City in 2014 ended his stay at the Emirates, much to the disapproval of the Gunners faithful in the Tavern – but Sagna’s role within the club was undeniable.
When Wenger paid just over £7 million to Auxerre for his services in 2007, not many expected Sagna to become the Arsenal legend he became.
If our locals can forget where he ended up and look at his Emirates career – many will agree Sagna’s value was extraordinary.
Consistent and always reliable.
Olivier Giroud
When you search for a prolific striker many clubs will play upwards of £40million due to the inflated transfer market.
However, when Arsene Wenger secured Giroud’s services for just over £10 million in 2012 – not many could have expected the impact he would have.
Our locals were scratching their heads when Giroud was signed to replace Robin Van Persie, but he has more than repaid his fee with some crucial goals following his move from Montpellier.
Securing a 20 goal a season striker is certainly no easy task, but when you can find one for such a minimal fee – you can only raise a glass to Arsene Wenger.
