Who is the best defender in Arsenal FC history?

From the imperious sweepers who built some of English football's tightest defences to adventurous attacking full-backs who changed how Arsenal played. Trophy-laden legends debate with modern defensive stalwarts for the title of greatest Gunner at the back.

1

Tony Adams

Arsenal's greatest-ever captain who led the club to four league titles across three decades and was the defensive cornerstone of George Graham's and then Wenger's sides.

2

Lee Dixon

Reliable right-back who was a key figure in Arsenal's famous back four for 14 years and won four league titles with the club.

3

Nigel Winterburn

Tenacious left-back who formed the bedrock of Arsenal's celebrated defensive unit through the late 1980s and 1990s.

4

Steve Bould

Solid and commanding centre-back who was the unsung hero of Arsenal's legendary back four and a vital part of their title-winning teams.

5

Sol Campbell

Powerful English centre-back who controversially moved from Tottenham to Arsenal and was at the heart of the famous Invincibles defence.

6

Martin Keown

Uncompromising and fiercely competitive central defender who was part of two different title-winning eras at Arsenal spanning the late 1980s to 2000s.

7

Ashley Cole

Technically outstanding left-back who is widely regarded as the best in his position in Premier League history and won two Doubles with Arsenal.

8

William Gallas

Versatile and experienced French international who captained Arsenal and was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League during his time at the club.

9

Lauren

Powerful Cameroonian right-back whose defensive solidity and physical presence were central to the Invincibles' unbeaten 2003-04 season.

10

Per Mertesacker

Imposing German World Cup winner whose reading of the game and aerial dominance made him one of the most effective centre-backs of his era at Arsenal.

11

William Saliba

Elegant French centre-back who blossomed into one of the Premier League's finest defenders under Arteta and became a cornerstone of Arsenal's title challenges.