10 Underwhelming Arsenal Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

8. Laurent Koscielny

Such is the common theme with so many of Arsene Wenger's recruits, the profile of Laurent Koscielny before his move to the Emirates in the summer of 2010 wasn't particularly high. Having spent just one season in the top flight of French football with Lorient, Wenger clearly saw enough promise and potential to part ways with the hefty sum of £8.45 million at the end of the season. With relatively little top-flight experience, Gunners supporters can't be blamed for feeling a little underwhelmed by the signing, as they pined for the more established likes of Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker or Everton's Phil Jagielka to partner Thomas Vermaelen at the back. Judging by his opening performances, this new 24 year old centre-back from Lorient had the airs of more of a Mikael Silvestre than a Tony Adams, having been shown a red card on his debut against Liverpool. However, once Koscielny settled, he began to display some solid and effective displays at the back, earning him an indispensable status amongst the Arsenal supporters. Although he is still prone to the odd penalty calamity and red card here and there.