Arsenal FC: Ex Premier League Players

Where are these ex Arsenal Premier League players now?

Welcome to the Arsenal legends page – the gateway to information on ex Gunners who have played in the Premier League. Watch the fantastic documentary All or Nothing: Arsenal on Amazon Prime.

In addition to information on ex players we have also added the club’s Premier League statistics which include the top goalscorers, most appearances and also the club’s final league position for each year that they have featured in the EPL.


David Seaman – Premier League Appearances: 344 | Clean Sheets: 142

David Seaman retired from playing professionally in 2004 after a distinguished career both domestically with Arsenal and Manchester City and also internationally with 75 caps for England. Read More..


Petr Cech – Premier League Appearances: 443 | Clean Sheets: 202

Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, Petr Cech retired from playing in 2019 after spending four seasons in North London with Arsenal. Read More..


Jens Lehmann – Premier League Appearances: 148 | Clean Sheets: 54

Brought into Arsenal as a replacement for David Seaman, Jens Lehmann was a member of “The Invicibles” team which won the title in the 2003-04 season without losing a single game. Read More..


Lee Dixon – Premier League Appearances: 305 | Goals Scored: 9

Lee Dixon’s fantastic career finally came to an end in 2002 when he retired at the age of 38 after winning numerous trophies with Arsenal across three decades. Read More..


Nigel Winterburn – Premier League Appearances: 352 | Goals Scored: 5

Nigel Winterburn’s long distinguished career in the Premier League, mostly with Arsenal came to an end in 2003 when he finally hung up his boots after playing for West Ham United. Read More..


Per Mertesacker – Premier League Appearances: 156 | Goals Scored: 6

Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker retired from playing at the end of the 2017/18 season after seven years at the North London side. Read More..


Martin Keown – Premier League Appearances: 323 | Goals Scored: 4

Widely regarded as one of the best man-markers of his generation, Martin Keown retired from playing professionally in 2005. Read More..


Matthew Upson – Premier League Appearances: 289 | Goals Scored: 9

The much-travelled former England defender Matthew Upson retired from playing at the end of the 2015-2016 after his release from MK Dons. Read More..


Bacary SagnaPremier League Appearances: 267 | Goals Scored: 4

Former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna finally called time on his career in 2019 after a spell playing in Canada with MLS side Montreal Impact. Read More..


Gael ClichyPremier League Appearances: 325 | Goals Scored: 3

French international left-back and former Arsenal and Manchester City player Gael Clichy officially retired from playing in 2023 after a couple of seasons playing in the Swiss Super League with Servette. Read More..


Sylvinho Premier League Appearances: 65 | Goals Scored: 3

The first Brazilian to sign for Arsenal when he joined the club in 1999, Sylvinho retired from playing professionally in 2010 after a year back in the Premier League with Manchester City. Read More..


Tony Adams – Premier League Appearances: 255 | Goals Scored: 12

After 22 years playing at the club with 14 years as captain, Arsenal legend Tony Adams finally retired from playing professionally in 2002 at the age of 36.. Read More..


Ashley Cole – Premier League Appearances: 385 | Goals Scored: 15

One of the finest left-backs of his generation, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole retired from playing after a brief spell in the Championship with Derby County. Read More..


Kolo Toure – Premier League Appearances: 353 | Goals Scored: 12

A member of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003-04, Kolo Toure retired from playing in 2017 after a successful season playing in Celtic’s treble-winning side. Read More..


William Gallas – Premier League Appearances: 321 | Goals Scored: 25

One of only a few players who have represented three top-flight London Premier League teams, William Gallas retired from playing professionally in 2014 after a season playing the Australian A-League for Perth Glory. Read More..


Sol Campbell – Premier League Appearances: 503 | Goals Scored: 20

Widely regarded as one of the best central defenders of his generation, Sol Campbell made over 500 appearances in the English Premier League predominantly with North London sides Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Read More..


Steve Bould – Premier League Appearances: 196 | Goals Scored: 2

A member of the “Famous Four” backline for Arsenal in the 1990’s which included Tony AdamsLee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould retired in 2000 after a single season at Sunderland due to arthritis of the toe. Read More..


Patrick Vieira – Premier League Appearances: 307 | Goals Scored: 31

One of the most decorated players in history with a World Cup winners medal and a European Championship winners medal to his name, Patrick Vieira decided to hang up his boots in July 2011 after two seasons at Manchester City. Read More..


Gilberto Silva – Premier League Appearances: 170 | Goals Scored: 17

One of the best defensive midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League, and a member of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ team, Gilberto Silva retired from playing in December 2015 having not played competitively for two years. Read More..


David Platt – Premier League Appearances: 88 | Goals Scored: 13

After a career that included spells at Bari, Sampdoria and Juventus, David Platt retired from playing in 2001 after playing a handful of games for Nottingham Forest. Read More..


Tomas Rosicky – Premier League Appearances: 170 | Goals Scored: 19

Former Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky finally hung up his boots in 2017 after a swansong season back in the Czech Republic with his first club Sparta Prague. Read More..


Anders Limpar – Premier League Appearances: 99 | Goals Scored: 7

One of the few foreigners who were playing in England when the Premier League started in 1992, Anders Limpar retired from playing in 2000 after a spell in the United States with MLS side Colorado Rapids. Read More..


Mikel Arteta – Premier League Appearances: 284 | Goals Scored: 41

A creative attacking midfielder renowned for his pinpoint crossing and killer passes, Mikel Arteta retired from playing at the end of the 2015-16 season at the age of 34. Read More..


Jack WilshirePremier League Appearances: 182 | Goals Scored: 8

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshire hung up his boots at the end of the 2021-22 season at just 30-years of age after an injury-plagued career which saw him only play just 36 games over a four-year period. Read More..


Emmanuel Petit – Premier League Appearances: 140 | Goals Scored: 11

After an illustrious Premier League career with Arsenal and Chelsea, Emmanuel Petit retired in 2005 after he found out he required a knee operation and would probably never regain full fitness. Read More..


Edu – Premier League Appearances: 79 | Goals Scored: 7

After an extremely successful career at Arsenal where he won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup three times, Edu retired in 2010 after returning to Brazil with Corinthians. Read More..


Lauren – Premier League Appearances: 184 | Goals Scored: 6

An integral part of the Arsenal defence between 2001 and 2006 and one of the famous Invincibles side of 2003-04, Lauren retired from playing in 2010 whilst playing for Spanish second division side Cordoba. Read More..


Ray ParlourPremier League Appearances: 379 | Goals Scored: 20

After spending 14 years at Arsenal, fan’s favourite Ray Parlour finally retired in 2007 after helping his last club Hull City avoid relegation from the Championship. Read More..


Freddie Ljungberg – Premier League Appearances: 241 | Goals Scored: 48

Freddie Ljungberg had nine successful years at Arsenal including two Premier League titles and two FA Cup Final wins before joining West Ham United in 2007. He officially announced his retirement from playing in August 2012. Read More..


Marc Overmars – Premier League Appearances: 100 | Goals Scored: 25

Former Arsenal winger, Marc Overmars also known as ‘The Flying Dutchman’ ended up retiring from his illustrious career on two occasions. Read More..


Robert Pires – Premier League Appearances: 198 | Goals Scored: 62

An incredible career which included a World Cup, a European Championship and three Premier League titles came to an end in England for Robert Pires in 2011 after a brief spell at Aston Villa. Read More..


Eddie McGoldrick – Premier League Appearances: 80 | Goals Scored: 7

A pacy winger who was renowned for his corner taking abilities, Eddie McGoldrick retired from playing professionally in 2000 at the age of 35 after three seasons at Manchester City. Read More..


Dennis Bergkamp – Premier League Appearances: 315 | Goals Scored: 87

A huge favourite with the Arsenal fans, Dennis Bergkamp finally finished his playing career in 2006 after eleven successful seasons in the Premier League. Read More..


John Jensen – Premier League Appearances: 98 | Goals Scored: 1

John Jensen, a cult hero at Arsenal, retired from full time playing in 1999 after moving back to Denmark to take on a player manager role at Herfolge. Read More..


Cesc FabregasPremier League Appearances: 350 | Goals Scored: 50

Legendary Premier League footballer Cesc Fabregas finally hung up his boots at the end of the 2022/23 season having spent a year playing in Italy’s Serie B with Como. Read More..


Nwankwo Kanu – Premier League Appearances: 273 | Goals Scored: 54

One of an elite band of players that have won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup, Champions League and an Olympic gold medal, Nwankwo Kanu retired from playing in 2012 whilst at Portsmouth Read More..


Thierry Henry – Premier League Appearances: 258 | Goals Scored: 175

Arsenal’s all time top goalscorer and club legend Thierry Henry retired from playing in 2014 after a two year spell in the USA with the New York Red Bulls. Read More..


Kevin Campbell – Premier League Appearances: 294 | Goals Scored: 45

Kevin Campbell retired from playing professional football in 2007 whilst playing for Cardiff City to pursue outside business interests. Read More..


Sylvain Wiltord – Premier League Appearances: 106 | Goals Scored: 31

Former Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord, a member of the famous ‘Invincibles’ team which went an entire Premier League season without losing, retired from playing in 2012 after a season back in his native France with Nantes. Read More..


Nicolas AnelkaPremier League Appearances: 364 | Goals Scored: 125

Often controversial, but a Premier League legend nonetheless, Nicolas Anelka retired from playing in 2015 after two seasons playing for Mumbai City who play in the Indian Super League. Read More..


Davor Suker Premier League Appearances: 33 | Goals Scored: 10

Davor Suker, the legendary Croatian striker, retired from playing in 2003 after a two-year spell playing in the Bundesliga with 1860 Munich. Read More..


Robin van PersiePremier League Appearances: 280 | Goals Scored: 144

One of the best strikers of his generation, legendary Dutch striker Robin van Persie retired from playing at the end of the 2018-19 season after seeing out his career at his first club Feyenoord. Read More..


Ian Wright – Premier League Appearances: 213 | Goals Scored: 113

Since retiring from playing in 2000, Arsenal legend, Ian Wright has maintained a successful career as a broadcaster with a number of prime-time shows under his belt. Read More..


Paul MersonPremier League Appearances: 280 | Goals Scored: 46

After a long career in the top divisions, Paul Merson finally retired from playing in 2006 after dropping down the leagues and turning out for Tamworth FC. Read More..


John Hartson – Premier League Appearances: 155 | Goals Scored: 55

John Hartson retired from playing in 2008 after problems with weight and fitness whilst playing for his last club West Bromwich Albion. Read More..


Jose Antonio ReyesPremier League Appearances: 69 | Goals Scored: 16

Jose Antonio Reyes was a classy left-winger who played for Arsenal between 2004 and 2007 who tragically died in a car crash in 2019 at the age of 35. Read More..


Premier League Statistics

This table shows the players who have made the most Premier League appearances for the North London side and the club’s top goalscorers.

(info correct as at 06/09/23)

Top EPL GoalscorersGoalsMost EPL AppearancesGames
Thierry Henry175Ray Parlour333
Ian Wright104David Seaman325
Robin van Persie96Dennis Bergkamp315
Dennis Bergkamp87Martin Keown310
Olivier Giroud73Lee Dixon305
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang68Patrick Vieira279
Theo Walcott65Nigel WInterburn270
Robert Pires62Theo Walcott270
Alexis Sanchez60Aaron Ramsey262
Alexandre Lacazette54Thierry Henry258

Statistics provided by 11v11

Last Updated on 27 February 2024 by Admin