Arsenal have had their fair share of transfer controversies over the years. Here’s five we think would make a top list plus the quotes by players, managers, pundits and fans at the time. Here are five of the most controversial Arsenal transfers up until that point:
Robin van Persie to Manchester United:
In 2012, Arsenal’s star striker Robin van Persie was sold to Manchester United for £24 million, causing outrage among Arsenal fans. Van Persie had just come off a season in which he won the Premier League Golden Boot and was seen as crucial to Arsenal’s success.
“I don’t deny that it’s a massive blow to lose Van Persie, but we have to have confidence in ourselves and our abilities to continue to move forward.” – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Van Persie’s departure, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game.” – Robin van Persie on his move to Manchester United, as quoted by The Telegraph.
“Van Persie will be a major addition to our squad. He has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League in recent years.” – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Van Persie’s signing, as quoted by ESPN.
“I can’t understand why Van Persie would want to leave Arsenal. But he has his reasons and we have to respect that.” – Arsenal legend Ian Wright on Van Persie’s move, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Van Persie has been a talismanic figure for Arsenal in recent seasons and it’s a massive coup for Manchester United to have signed him.” – Former Manchester United player Gary Neville on Van Persie’s signing, as quoted by The Guardian.
Ashley Cole to Chelsea:
In 2006, Ashley Cole’s transfer to Chelsea caused controversy when it was discovered that he had met with Chelsea representatives without Arsenal’s permission. The transfer ultimately went through for a fee of £5 million plus defender William Gallas.
“Arsenal have been very good to Ashley and this is not a good way to repay them.” – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Cole’s move to Chelsea, as quoted by The Guardian.
“It’s a dream move for me to come to a club like Chelsea. They have fantastic players and I am looking forward to playing with them.” – Ashley Cole on his move to Chelsea, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“He has been a great servant for Arsenal, but we believe that he can make an important contribution to Chelsea in the coming years.” – Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon on Cole’s signing, as quoted by The Independent.
“It’s a great signing for Chelsea, but it’s a sad day for Arsenal fans. Cole was a great player for Arsenal and he will be missed.” – Former Arsenal player Martin Keown on Cole’s move, as quoted by The Telegraph.
“Ashley Cole is a traitor. He’s shown no loyalty to Arsenal or the fans who supported him throughout his career.” – Arsenal fan on Cole’s move to Chelsea, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Samir Nasri to Manchester City:
In 2011, Samir Nasri’s transfer to Manchester City for £25 million was seen as a betrayal by Arsenal fans. Nasri had just come off a strong season for Arsenal and was seen as a key player for the team.
“I am delighted to have signed for Manchester City. To be part of this team, and to work with these great players, is an incredible experience.” – Samir Nasri on his move to Manchester City, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“Nasri has shown no loyalty to Arsenal. He’s just another player who is chasing money and doesn’t care about the fans who supported him.” – Arsenal fan on Nasri’s move to Manchester City, as quoted by The Guardian.
“He’s a very talented player and he will add quality to our squad. We are building a team that can compete for the biggest trophies, and Nasri is a key part of that.” – Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on Nasri’s signing, as quoted by ESPN.
“I think it’s a sad day for Arsenal fans. Nasri was a fantastic player for Arsenal, but he has chosen to move on to another club.” – Former Arsenal player Nigel Winterburn on Nasri’s move, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“I think Nasri has made the right decision. Manchester City are a club on the rise and they have a bright future ahead of them.” – Former Manchester City player Peter Barnes on Nasri’s signing, as quoted by The Telegraph.
Sol Campbell to Tottenham:
In 2001, Sol Campbell’s free transfer from Tottenham to Arsenal caused controversy among Tottenham fans. Campbell was a beloved player at Tottenham and his move to their bitter rivals was seen as a betrayal.
“Campbell has betrayed us all. He has become the biggest Judas in the history of football.” – Tottenham fan on Campbell’s move to Arsenal, as quoted by The Guardian.
“I know he’s a player Tottenham fans adore, but you cannot deny the fact that he is a fantastic player.” – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Campbell’s signing, as quoted by The Independent.
“The fans will give me stick, but that’s normal. I’ll take it all on the chin. I’ll let my football do the talking.” – Sol Campbell on his move to Arsenal, as quoted by The Telegraph.
“It is a measure of the great progress the club has made that we are now able to attract such a world-class player.” – Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein on Campbell’s signing, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“It’s not the first time a player has done this, but I don’t think it will ever happen again to this magnitude.” – Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle on Campbell’s move to Arsenal, as quoted by The Guardian.
Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City:
In 2009, Emmanuel Adebayor’s transfer to Manchester City for £25 million caused controversy among Arsenal fans. Adebayor had just come off a season in which he scored 30 goals for Arsenal and was seen as a key player for the team.
“He is a player who was loved by Arsenal fans, but I believe he will make an important contribution to the development of Manchester City.” – Manchester City manager Mark Hughes on Adebayor’s signing, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“He’s a mercenary who has no loyalty.” – Arsenal fan on Adebayor’s move to Manchester City, as quoted by The Guardian.
“He will be a great addition to our squad. We have acquired a player who is young, yet experienced, and is regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.” – Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook on Adebayor’s signing, as quoted by ESPN.
“I can understand why the Arsenal fans feel betrayed by Adebayor’s move to Manchester City.” – Former Arsenal player Martin Keown on Adebayor’s move, as quoted by The Independent.
“It’s a great move for Adebayor, but it leaves Arsenal very, very short. It’s a blow to their hopes of winning the title.” – Former Liverpool and England defender Mark Lawrenson on Adebayor’s move, as quoted by The Daily Mail.
Can you think of any others? Was Sol Campbell the biggest controversial “IN” and was Cole the biggest controversial “OUT”? – Let us know in the comments?