Which Ex-Gunners Have Done Better Since Leaving?

The following article was written by our guest writer, Jamie Wright, a professional sports writer.

Which players have improved their fortunes since departing Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger has always had to deal in the transfer market within his means. He has had to make shrewd signings where possible and try to return a profit on players who may have surpassed their peak.

It is interesting to look at some big names who have left Arsenal recently to see if they have re-discovered their form at their current employers.

Arguably, Arsenal’s greatest holding midfielder was Patrick Vieira. Signed for £3.5million way back in 1996 the French World Cup winner was superb in Arsenal’s double winning 1997/1998 and 2001/2002 seasons. He was sold in 2005 for £13.75million to Italian giants Juventus. He helped Juventus retain the Italian Championship in his first season but from then on he hasn’t rediscovered the form shown at Arsenal in any way shape or form.

Now playing for Inter Milan he is often a bench warmer and has only made 33 appearances in 2 seasons. Arsene Wenger made £10million profit through transfer fees for Vieira and with 9 years' service and playing his best years at the club it was good business by Wenger.

Some argue Vieira has never been replaced, until Mathieu Flamini stepped up to the mantle in the 2007/2008 season. However, Arsenal's ‘apparent reluctance’ to offer the Frenchman a reasonable salary pushed him out the door to sign for European rivals AC Milan. Flamini or ‘Fla-money’ as he is known in some Arsenal circles suffered a difficult start to life in Milan and was considered a utility player during the first half of the season. Luckily for Mathieu, the ageing Milan squad suffered some injuries and he managed to play a large part of the second half of the season as a tenacious right back.

Mathieu still has age on his side though and if he plays regular football in his central midfield role he could become a world class player. How much would Arsenal fans love to see Flamini of old back playing alongside Cesc Fabregas again next season?

One of the biggest disappointments in recent years to all Arsenal fans was the sale of Thierry Henry. Signed for £10million in 1999, Henry became Arsenal’s all time leading goal scorer. His pace, technique, arrogance and flair made him one of the best foreign imports the Premier League has ever seen.

His sheer determination to win the European Cup forced him to seek his dream elsewhere and Arsene finally decided to cash in on the French international for a reported £20million in 2007. Playing for Barcelona he also found it difficult to re-discover his goal scoring touch at the Nou Camp and was deployed on the wings for many of his appearances. However, this campaign he has been an influential part of Barcelona’s treble winning season assisting Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o to amass over 100 goals. Henry may actually be viewed as one of the few players who has gone on to more success since leaving Arsenal.

Other players who have upset the football odds by struggling to find form are Alexander Hleb and Robert Pires. Is it that Arsene Wenger can get the best out of his players or does he have the ability to know when his players have peaked? Please share your thoughts on this debate!

Feel free to add your comments below, and email us if you would be interested in guest blogging yourself! The email address can be found on the right side of the page.