Wenger 1000: Arsene's bargain XI

Right-Back: Bacary Sagna – £6 million

The 31-year-old full-back is the sole survivor of this XI to still be part of the club and also the most expensive following his £6 million move from Auxerre in 2007. The Frenchman is a senior member of Wenger’s current squad but could leave the Gunners in the summer as he has failed to agree a contract extension. However, even if his spell in north London is set to end, a final piece of silverware would be a fitting end to his career as he been a faithful servant and reliable defender despite two leg breaks.

Centre-Back: Kolo Toure – £150,000

Ivory Coast defender Toure arrived from a little known club in his homeland, ASEC Mimosas, for a paltry fee that is now more likely to be a player’s weekly wage than transfer fee. He had to wait until August 2002 to make his debut and was initially regarded as a utility player before he cemented a place in the side at centre-back. Part of the formidable Invincibles back four he undoubtedly enjoyed the best years of his career at Arsenal and was amongst the best defenders in the division for a number of years. Although he is no longer a force, he is still a respectable squad player at Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Centre-Back: Sol Campbell – Free

Far from anybody’s favourite man at the moment due to his comments regarding the England captaincy, it should not be forgotten what an excellent defender he was during his career. The centre-back is the only player to cross the north London divide during Wenger’s time at the helm of Arsenal and it will never be forgotten by Spurs, particularly as their hero departed on a free transfer. However, the move was amongst the best that Wenger has ever managed to pull of as Campbell became a key figure in his defence and formed a formidable partnership with Toure, which provided a strong core that allowed the Invincbles’ attackers to flourish.

Left Back: Gael Clichy – Free

Clichy arrived on a free transfer from Cannes in 2003 as Wenger once again delved into the talent of his homeland to unearth a young talent. Initially back-up to Ashley Cole, Clichy became a virtual ever present in the side after the Englishman joined fierce rivals Chelsea in 2006. Blessed with plenty of pace but also solid defensively Clichy was the ideal left-back for Wenger’s expansive and neat passing style. The Frenchman decided to join Manchester City, along with several other Arsenal favourites, in 2011 but Wenger negotiated a £7 million fee for the player, all of which was profit.