Who is the best midfielder in Arsenal FC history?

From the industrious double-winners of the George Graham era to elegant, technical playmakers of the Invincibles era and beyond. This spans tough-tackling box-to-box dynamos, silky creative technicians, and set-piece specialists who defined Arsenal's midfield identity.

1

Patrick Vieira

Commanding French midfield general and Arsenal captain who dominated English football through the late 1990s and early 2000s and lifted three Premier League titles.

2

Cesc Fabregas

Technically brilliant Spanish playmaker who was handed the captaincy as a teenager and became the heartbeat of Arsenal's midfield for nearly a decade.

3

David Rocastle

Beloved and technically gifted midfielder nicknamed Rocky who was integral to the title-winning sides of 1987 and 1989 before his tragic early death.

4

Mesut Özil

Sublime German playmaker whose creative vision and technical skill made him one of the most naturally talented midfielders in Arsenal history.

5

Emmanuel Petit

Powerful French midfielder who formed an excellent partnership with Patrick Vieira and was a World Cup winner during his time at Arsenal.

6

Gilberto Silva

Dependable and underappreciated Brazilian defensive midfielder whose positional discipline was crucial to the Invincibles' unbeaten Premier League season.

7

Paul Davis

Quietly effective English midfielder who spent 15 years at Arsenal and won two league titles, his technical ability often underrated by casual observers.

8

Michael Thomas

Iconic Arsenal midfielder whose last-minute goal at Anfield in 1989 won the league title in the most dramatic fashion and entered football folklore.