From cult heroes to blink-and-you’ll-miss-them cameos, Arsenal’s relationship with African players has been… colorful. For every Toure or Kanu lighting up Highbury or the Emirates, there’s been a name that feels more like a pub quiz trick question. So we did the only logical thing — ranked every African baller to wear the Arsenal shirt in the Premier League era, from worst to best.
21. Jehad Muntasser
One appearance. One mystery. Signed from Italian lower-division side Pro Sesto in 1997, Jehad Muntasser was one of those names you’d only remember if you were deep into obscure Football Manager saves or a devout follower of Arsenal’s reserve matches. The Libyan midfielder played just once — a brief cameo in the League Cup — before being quietly shipped off to Bristol City on loan and released two years later. It was blink-and-you-miss-it stuff. Hard to fault him for not making it, but equally hard to remember he was ever there.
20. Carlin Itonga
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If you’ve never heard of Carlin Itonga, you’re not alone. The Congolese forward made one solitary appearance for Arsenal — again in the League Cup — before slipping into football obscurity. His entire Arsenal story feels like a placeholder for a forgotten youth prospect, with no real chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. If he ever appears in a pub quiz, give yourself a pat on the back for knowing he even existed.
19. Ismael Bennacer
Algeria’s midfield maestro and 2019 AFCON Player of the Tournament? Yep, that’s the same guy who got 45 minutes in a 3-0 League Cup battering at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday in 2015. Ismael Bennacer was clearly talented, but his Arsenal career came far too early. He left, developed into a top-tier midfielder, and is now showing his class elsewhere. As far as Arsenal goes, he’s the classic case of “one that got away.”
18. Kaba Diawara
Kaba Diawara’s Arsenal career was the definition of fleeting. Brought in during the January 1999 window, he made 12 league appearances and somehow failed to score a single goal. His time in north London ended almost as quickly as it began, followed by a series of moves across Europe that could fill a passport. He later popped up on Canal+ as a pundit, but as a striker at Arsenal, he was more ghost than gunner.
17. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
Quincy had the flair, the hype, and even the cool name — but he didn’t quite have the breakthrough. After scoring six in an under-21 match, expectations soared. But in a squad packed with names like Henry, Bergkamp, and Pires, there was just no room. Quincy made a few appearances and then embarked on one of football’s most nomadic careers, playing in everything from La Liga to the Qatar Stars League. He had the talent, but not the timing.
16. Emmanuel Frimpong
Frimpong was a cult hero long before he became a regular starter. His love for the club, social media antics, and “Dench” catchphrases made him stand out, even if his performances didn’t. A decent holding midfielder, Frimpong was full of passion but lacked the finesse to nail down a long-term role at Arsenal. After leaving for Barnsley, he famously lamented his lack of dating prospects — a tragicomic exit that summed up his Arsenal story: entertaining but ultimately unfulfilled.
15. Marouane Chamakh
When Chamakh joined on a free transfer in 2010, fans were cautiously optimistic. And to be fair, he had a solid start, scoring 11 goals across competitions in his debut season. But as quickly as he rose, he vanished. His playing time dwindled, his confidence dropped, and before long he was loaned to West Ham, then moved on to Crystal Palace. Chamakh never quite lived up to the promise, and let’s be honest — most of us remember the hair more than the goals.
14. Armand Traore
Traore was that player who always popped up in League Cup ties and pre-season tours but never quite made the leap. A decent left-back with pace to burn, he made over 30 appearances across five years but was never trusted as a long-term option. You might remember him more for his off-field fashion statements than any standout performances. Eventually left for QPR, and let’s just say Arsenal fans weren’t shedding tears.
13. Alex Iwobi
Iwobi’s Arsenal story started with promise. A product of the academy and nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha, he broke into the first team in 2016 and scored in back-to-back Premier League matches. For a while, he looked like a star in the making. But inconsistency and poor decision-making plagued him. Sold to Everton for a hefty £28 million, Iwobi has gone on to be a solid top-flight player — just not the superstar many hoped for at Arsenal.
12. Mohamed Elneny
Dependable, hard-working, and always positive — Elneny wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable. Signed from Basel in 2016, the Egyptian racked up over 160 appearances, usually as a rotation option. He never really became a first-choice midfielder, but managers kept him around for a reason. Elneny was a glue guy — someone who did the job, kept the ball moving, and never complained. Every squad needs one, even if fans forget about him.
11. Gervinho
Gervinho was… unpredictable. On his day, he could beat three defenders, create chaos, and find the back of the net. On other days, he’d beat himself. Signed from Lille in 2011, the Ivorian winger scored 11 goals over two seasons and became symbolic of Arsenal’s post-Fabregas turbulence. Despite his frustrating inconsistency, Gervinho was always entertaining. He later flourished at Roma, but at Arsenal, he was more meme than main man.
10. Nicolas Pepe
The £72 million man came in with massive expectations and moments of brilliance. Who can forget him turning Van Dijk inside out or curling in free kicks with his wand of a left foot? But the highs were too infrequent. His Arsenal career was a rollercoaster of frustration and flair. On paper, 27 goals in 112 games isn’t bad, but the fee weighed heavily. He leaves behind a highlight reel full of sauce — but not enough substance.
9. Christopher Wreh
If you watched Arsenal in the late ’90s, you know Wreh mattered. The Liberian forward wasn’t prolific, but he delivered in huge moments during the 1997–98 double-winning season, scoring decisive goals in both the league and the FA Cup semi-final. He even started the FA Cup final against Newcastle. Wreh eventually faded from the spotlight, but for that magical season, he played a key part — and that counts.
8. Alex Song
Song went from an awkward utility player to a midfield maestro under Wenger. His passing range improved dramatically, and he formed an excellent link-up with Van Persie — especially that iconic assist against Everton. Song’s flair, personality, and cheeky grin made him a fan favourite. He earned a move to Barcelona in 2012, but never quite found his footing there. Still, his Arsenal peak was seriously underrated.
7. Thomas Partey
Partey arrived with big expectations and a £42.7m price tag from Atletico Madrid. Injuries slowed his start, but when fit, he was a beast in midfield — breaking up play, spraying passes, and even chipping in goals. He helped solidify Arsenal’s core under Arteta, especially in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. Though his time ended quietly, he played a vital role in Arsenal’s climb back to competitiveness.
6. Emmanuel Eboue
Eboue’s Arsenal career was a full-blown arc. Early on, he struggled — most notably during that infamous Wigan match where he tackled his own teammates and was subbed off. But credit to him: he bounced back, became a dependable right-back, and won over fans with his energy and humour. 214 appearances is no joke. Eboue may have had his clumsy moments, but he left his mark.
5. Lauren
Steady, tough, and always up for a scrap — Lauren was one of the unsung heroes of the Invincibles. He replaced club legend Lee Dixon and never looked out of place. Cool under pressure (see: that winning penalty vs Spurs) and fiery when needed (see: shouting down van Nistelrooy), Lauren embodied everything you want in a right-back. Criminally underrated.
4. Emmanuel Adebayor
A tall, elegant striker with surprisingly delicate feet, Adebayor had his moments of brilliance. The volley vs Spurs, the 30-goal 2007–08 season, and the confidence to square up to Bendtner. But then came the infamous celebration in a City shirt, and suddenly, he was enemy number one. Pure talent, but the drama was never far behind. He had the makings of a legend — but burned the bridge on his way out.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Auba hit the ground running after arriving in 2018. Fast, clinical, and always smiling, he was the striker Arsenal desperately needed. 92 goals in 162 appearances and an FA Cup win to his name, he became a fan favourite. But the fallout with Arteta cast a shadow over his legacy. Still, when Arsenal needed a goal, Auba delivered — and that counts for a lot.
2. Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu wasn’t just a player — he was vibes. He did things no one else would even try. That solo hat-trick at Stamford Bridge? Legendary. The flicks, the footwork, the flair — he was a footballing wizard. He might not have started every week, but when he played, magic was in the air. Arsenal’s ultimate cult icon, bar none.
1. Kolo Toure
From unknown trialist to Invincible. Kolo Toure stepped into Tony Adams’ shoes and never looked back. With 326 appearances and a crucial role in the 2003–04 title-winning team, Toure was everything you want in a centre-back: quick, smart, passionate, and fearless. Off the pitch, he was warm and hilarious. On the pitch, a warrior. A proper Arsenal legend.