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Both Arsenal and Barcelona have struggled in their own ways in recent times. Irrespective of that, they remain two of the biggest clubs in Europe.
The Spanish giants have witnessed a difficult phase overall, especially after the departure of Lionel Messi in the summer due to financial issues. Their on-the-pitch troubles still persist and remain a concern for this season.
Arsenal and Barcelona have traded players regularly
Arsenal, on the other hand, are facing a torrid time and finding it very difficult to qualify for the Champions League over the past few seasons. Their identity as a big club is taking a hit with time and it is necessary that they step up very soon.
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The north London club have been involved in many transfer deals with Barcelona over the years. The deals saw some top players going to the other side but overall it is the Catalan club who have attracted more than the other way around. On that note, let's take a look at the high-quality players who left the Gunners to play for the Spanish giants.
#5 Alexander Hleb
One of the most underrated and versatile players to play at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger has to be Alexander Hleb. The Belarusian midfielder was signed from VfB Stuttgart in 2005.
Hleb, with his sharp passing, creative abilities and amazing work-rate, was an asset on the field. He was capable of playing almost anywhere in midfield. His impressive performance with the Gunners attracted interest from Barcelona.
Having played three seasons with the London club, Hleb joined the Catalan club. After winning the Treble in the 2008-09 season, he struggled with game-time at the club. This led to multiple loan spells for the Belarusian before he left in 2012.
#4 Alex Song
Arsenal signed Alex Song on loan from Bastia for the 2005-06 season and made the move permanent the following season. With the Gunners, the Cameroon midfielder grew into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League then.
His excellent reading of the game, amazing anticipation and fine passing abilities made him the perfect player in deep midfield. His fine performances encouraged Barcelona to go after his signature and they were successful in doing so in 2012.
Unfortunately, the move didn't turn out to be that productive for Song as he struggled to start ahead of Sergio Busquets. A two-season loan move to West Ham United, followed by a permanent move to Rubin Kazan, ensured a disappointing spell at Barcelona.
#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal and Barcelona's business relationships have often been more of a loss to the Gunners. The London club have struggled to convince their top players to join the Spanish giants.
One of the latest examples is that of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker had fallen out of favor with the Gunners since his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta went south. He was stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the team after disciplinary breaches. He, therefore, decided to join Barcelona in the recently closed January transfer window.
In his 163 matches for the London club, he scored 92 goals and registered 20 assists. Given the club's woes in front of goal, he could have come in handy with a change in form. Only time will tell how fruitful the move will be for the Gabonese forward.
#2 Cesc Fabregas
One of the greatest playmakers in history for the Gunners is Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard moved from Barcelona's youth academy to join Arsenal's youth academy.
His performance with the senior team was a delight to watch, especially given his stunning passing and creative abilities. Fabregas became a vital player for the London club within no time. He scored 57 goals and assisted 96 in 304 appearances with Arsenal. With some fabulous displays, his former club expressed their desire for his return.
Fabregas returned to Spain in 2011 to play for the Catalan club. His form with them wasn't at the same level as it was with Arsenal. He scored 42 goals and assisted 50 in 151 appearances for Blaugrana. Three seasons later, the Spanish midfielder returned to the Premier League, this time to play for Chelsea.
#1 Thierry Henry
The word legend does not suffice the greatness of Thierry Henry during his time at Arsenal. His effectiveness and productivity in front of goal made him one of the greatest goal-scorers in the Premier League.
The Frenchman spent nine seasons with the Gunners, scoring 217 goals in all competitions. Having won two league titles and two FA Cups, Henry wanted to win the Champions League. With the desire to win more silverware, he was enticed to join Barcelona in 2007.
He won the Treble in the 2008-09 season, making his time at the Spanish club very productive. Henry's absence was a big loss to the Premier League and Arsenal.
