Robert Pires
© Offside
A £6m signing from Marseille in 2000, Robert Pires would go on to become not only an Arsenal icon but also one of the finest Premier League exports ever.
This was another example of Wenger being able to land a relatively unknown player from the continent and turn them into a great, with Pires departing North London six years later as a two-time Premier League and FA Cup winner.
The Frenchman is remembered fondly for his ability to dovetail with Ashley Cole down the left before linking up with compatriot Thierry Henry, having the ability to assist and score goals in equal measure.
Pires would leave Arsenal on a sour note, departing on a free transfer to Villarreal after being hauled off in that year's Champions League final, but his achievements at Highbury will forever be fondly remembered.
