10 Underwhelming Arsenal Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

7. Patrick Vieira

When Arsenal signed Patrick Vieira, he had done nothing in world football. He may have captained a Division 1 Cannes side as 19 year old and earned himself a move to AC Milan, but aside from that, he had made virtually no mark. Having made just five appearances in all competitions for the Milanese in his lone season at the San Siro, Wenger was quick to relieve him of his Italian nightmare in a £3.5 million deal. With Wenger only having just arrived at the club, Gunners supporters weren't used to the array of unknowns rabbits hiding up his sleeve, so when the gangly Frenchman with a failed report card from the San Siro arrived at Highbury, there were a couple of murmurs of discontent. Of course, Vieira went on to establish himself as one of the most effective and successful captains the Premier League has ever witnessed, making over 350 appearances, and lifting eleven trophies. He was also one of English football's great thespians, fuelling the ferociously enjoyable drama with Manchester United counterpart Roy Keane.