10 Underwhelming Arsenal Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

9. Mikel Arteta

It may seem odd that Arsenal supporters were once downbeat about the signing of one of the Premier League's most reliable midfielders, but in 2010 some Gunners were hoping Arsene Wenger might wet his beak in a transfer market rich with World Cup fever. With the likes of Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil having broke through in South Africa, Gunners supporters were once again left frustrated by a summer of tight-fisted penny-pinching, before settling for Everton's Mikel Arteta in a £10 million deal on transfer deadline day. A player who had never received even a cap for his country at 28 years of age, Arsenal supporters remained unconvinced as he sidled into the Emirates to pen a four year deal. However, since then, he has proved a revelation in the middle of the park, providing the stability needed to ensure the side's more attacking components the freedom of the park. Within a year, the diminutive Spaniard had assumed the role of vice-captain following the departure of Robin van Persie, as well as spot-kick duties. Captaining the side to their first major trophy in nine years at Wembley Stadium last May, the former Everton playmaker was rewarded with the full-time captaincy. Not bad for a player still waiting for his first international call-up at 32.