3. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole is one of England’s best defenders of all time, the star really transformed the full-back role with his attack-minded play.
Cole spent eight years with the Gunners after breaking through from the academy, the left-back was a part of Arsenal’s memorable Invincibles team.
Without sounding like a broken record, Cole soured his relationship with Arsenal after controversially joining Chelsea in 2006, the England great went on to have a legendary career with the Blues.
Arsenal really could have been something else if someone like Cole stayed in north London, unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.
2. Sol Campbell
Just like Cole, Sol Campbell was a generational talent, the man who was literally built like a rock is one of England’s greatest defenders ever.
Whilst Campbell was only with the Gunners for five years, this was more than enough time for the centre-back to make his impact on the red side of north London.
The football world was shocked when the defender left Spurs in favour of a move to their cross-town rivals, Campbell made that move to win and the proof was in the pudding.
Sol helped Arsenal win two Premier League titles and FA Cups, as well as helping the Gunners to the Champions League final – only for heartbreak against Barcelona to ensue.
To this day England may not have seen a player with such strength and size that was as quick as Campbell.
1. Tony Adams
You don’t earn the nickname ‘Mr. Arsenal’ for nothing, Tony Adams comfortably sits at the top of Arsenal’s best defenders of the Premier League era and of all-time.
Adams gave his entire career to the Gunners, there really aren’t enough words to describe Adams’ contributions to the north London outfit’s success.
Adams played in over 650 matches during his near twenty-year spell with the Gunners, as well as being one of the best defenders of his generation – the star was a phenomenal leader for the club.
Adams was captain for arguably the most successful period of Arsenal’s history. The England great’s ability to read the game and break up play was just sensational to watch.
Honourable mention: Nigel Winterburn was a superb player for the Gunners but the left-back only played a key role for a few seasons for the Gunners after the top-flight was changed to 20 teams from 95/96 onwards.