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. 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. 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. 3
   Nigel Winterburn

   Tenacious left-back who formed the bedrock of Arsenal's celebrated defensive unit through the late 1980s and 1990s.
4. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 9
   Lauren

   Powerful Cameroonian right-back whose defensive solidity and physical presence were central to the Invincibles' unbeaten 2003-04 season.
10. 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. 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.