Current Squad

Manuel Almunia Rivero

Joined Arsenal: 18.07.2004
Born: 19.05.1977 – Pamplona, Spain
Squad no: 1
Position: Goalkeeper

Before joining Arsenal, the marketing slogan ”Have gloves, will travel” could have well portrayed Almunia as he defined the concept of a journey man, with frequent loan spells whilst still a Celta Vigo player.

Between 2004 and 2007, Manuel warmed the Arsenal bench extensively as an understudy to Jens Lehmann, with more frequent appearances in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup. His most notable appearance before claiming the No. 1 Jersey permanently from Lehmann early in the 2007-08 season came in May 2006 in Paris during the Champions League final against Barcelona when he came on as a replacement for Lehmann who saw red after only 18 minutes.

A series of high profile howlers from Lehmann at the beginning of the 2007-08 season acquainted the veteran German stopper with the bench and gave Almunia the opportunity to show his credentials in between the sticks. It’s taken some time for him to win over the hardcore of the Arsenal faithful, not least because of one or two high-profile blunders on his part, but since early 2007, he has on many occasions proved pivotal to Arsenal’s defence as an opposition stopper.

As one of the oldest players in the squad, Wenger believes he has a key leadership role to play in the development of this young Arsenal side.

Vassiriki Abou Diaby

Joined Arsenal: 13.01.2006
Born: 11.05.1986 – Paris, France
Squad no: 2
Position: Midfielder

Stone Cold Profile of Abou Diaby

Seen by some as a player with the potential to reach the heights of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, Diaby probably has the physique, the technique and the talent to emulate one of the greatest players ever to don the red and white shirt of the Arsenal.

Diaby’s challenge over the last 3 years has been that of steering clear from injuries and reducing his guest appearances on the medical table. A horrific ankle injury following a tackle by Dan Smith of Sunderland 4 months into his Arsenal career spelt a gloomy start for the young French star. However, when fit, few can argue about his potential and talent. Wherever he plays, Diaby is capable of popping out of any rack in the middle of the park, with his long telescopic legs driving his surge towards goal, as memorably happened in the 2007-08 Champions league campaign at Anfield where he scored a crucial goal.

Diaby captained France Under-19s to success in the 2005 European Championship and is currently a regular member of the senior Les Bleus squad.

Bacary Sagna

Joined Arsenal: 12.07.2007
Born: 14.02.1983 – Sens, France
Squad no: 3
Position: Defender

If there’s one thing Sagna did, it’s to defy convention and slot into the Premier league like a professional who has always been part of the furniture in this fine competition. Most foreign players including the best in the world, have taken time to adjust to the rigours and pace of the Premiership, but Sagna took to it like water off a ducks back and cemented his authority as one of the game’s finest defenders.

His stellar performances as right full back, his excellent positional awareness coupled with a dependable tackling ability, as well as penetrating surging runs down the right flank have all increased his overall influence to Arsenals game and quickly made him one of Arsenal’s favourites.

One of the most memorable moments of Sagna’s dominance in defence was his goal mouth acrobatic clearance of a goal bound Aston Villa ball on Boxing day 2008. His breath taking agility and acrobatics defied belief for Villa and Arsenal fans alike.

Sagna is seen as the long term replacement for Willie Sagnol in the right back position for Les Bleus, the French national team.

Fransesc Fabregas Soler

Joined Arsenal: 11.09.2003
Born: 04.05.1987 – Casal de Curacion, Spain
Squad no: 4
Position: Midfielder
CLUB CAPTAIN

After the departure of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira in 2005, Wengers stubborn streak and insistence in urging the then 18 year old Catalan to step up to the plate and take ownership of the Arsenal midfield has turned out to be a master stroke. Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world, Cesc is the pulse and heart beat of this Arsenal side.

It’s amazing that at 22, his mileage has seen him clock over 175 appearances for the Gunners. Fabregas’ vision, tactical and positional awareness on and off the ball, slide rule precision passing and ability to initiate devastating attacks has made him one of the most respected midfielders of his generation. Cesc’s ability to dictate play in the middle of the park has on many occasions made opponents chase shadows and look very pedestrian and even under pressure, he has a calmness and serenity that makes his overall play a marvel to watch. His brilliant performances in helping Spain win the Euro 2008 tournament have only enhanced his confidence

In November 2008, Fabregas was made the Arsenal captain, taking over from defender William Gallas. Many observers point out the fact that his captaincy was an inevitability, and is only likely to increase his sense of responsibility and overall contribution to the Arsenal project. Cesc was sidelined by a long term knee injury in late 2008, and seemed to have picked up from where he left after rejoining the team in early April 2009. It will be very interesting to see how he combines in the midfield with fellow playmakers Arshavin and Nasri to unleash the potential of this young talented Arsenal side.