Ranking the 5 best players who left Arsenal to play for Barcelona

#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

West Ham United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

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.

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#2 Cesc Fabregas

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League

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.

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#1 Thierry Henry

Arsenal v Leeds United - FA Cup Third Round

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.