# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published May 28, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-defender-in-arsenal-fc-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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.

Tags: football, players, legends, premier league, arsenal, england, defenders