With Nicklas Bendtner and Lukas Podolski on the scoresheets for their national sides this week, here’s a look at nine players Arsenal should never have let go – clue: only one of the above actually makes the list!
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1) Lukas Podolski
Still in the Germany fold in a distinguished international career, Lukas Podolski could surely still do a job for Arsenal? The somewhat casual forward is not the hardest worker but remains a real talent with great finishing ability, even if things haven’t quite gone according to plan on loan at Inter Milan.
2) Carlos Vela
A player now lighting up La Liga, Carlos Vela was never truly given enough of a chance at Arsenal before being allowed to join Real Sociedad on a permanent deal.
3) Patrick Vieira
Perhaps slightly past his best when Arsenal sold him, Patrick Vieira arguably should still not have been let go in 2005, with the Gunners spending years struggling to replace his leadership and authority on the pitch.
4) Thierry Henry
Another player probably sold too soon, Thierry Henry did not have a great last season with Arsenal, but did go on to help Barcelona to a superb treble in the 2008/09 season.
5) Jens Lehmann
Despite some individual errors in his final season in north London, Jens Lehman should surely have been given another chance considering his replacement was Manuel Almunia, who had an awful time as number one for the following three years.
6) Cesc Fabregas
Sold at his peak when Barcelona came calling, Cesc Fabregas was Arsenal’s captain and best player and was surely too important to let go? To make things worse, the Spaniard is now back in the Premier League with rivals Chelsea.
7) Robin van Persie
With one year to go on his contract, perhaps Arsenal had to consider selling Robin van Persie, but not to bitter rivals Manchester United surely? The Dutchman has gone on to score three goals against his old side, and also helped United to the 2012/13 title.
8) Alex Song
Not the best player in the world by any means, but still a needless sale by Arsenal when Alex Song was starting to become an important part of their team. Now shining in the Premier League on loan with West Ham United, Song could be heading to a big club again before long.
9) Ashley Cole
A world class player who came through Arsenal’s youth system, letting Ashley Cole go was perhaps one of the biggest mistakes by the club in recent times. Cole went on to enjoy many of his best years at Chelsea, when he should have become a Gunners great and probably captain.