Wenger 1000: Arsene's bargain XI

Left Wing: Nicolas Anelka (£500k)

Despite all the recent controversies surrounding the Frenchman currently, Anelka proved to be one of Wenger’s most shrewd signings as he brought over the little-known striker from France in a time when signing young foreign players was not all the rage.

Anelka only spent two years at Highbury after joining from Paris St Germain, but won the league and cup double in his first season before leaving to join Real Madrid.

Anelka went to the Santiago Bernabeu for £21m to bring in a £20m profit in just two years and given the trajectory of his career since, it would appear that Arsenal got the best out of him and made as much as they could from his potential.

Striker: Robin Van Persie (£2.75m)

Robin Van Persie has been one of the finest strikers n the Premier League since joining Arsenal in 2004, with his lethal left foot being the source of constant amazement to many.

His eight years in North London saw him lift only the FA Cup and fitness issues perhaps meant that Arsenal were left wondering what could have been had he been able to stay fit and form a real partnership with Thierry Henry.

He may be a figure of hate now to some after defecting to Manchester United (again at a £20m profit), but hate is only born out love and that shows how much they cared for a man that was in a class of his own at times.

Van Persie was top goalscorer last season as he finally lifted the Premier League trophy with Manchester United and while his second season hasn’t gone so well, he has still claimed 11 goals in 18 games, converting 26.2%.