In pictures: Arsene Wenger’s five best signings at Arsenal

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  4 - Cesc Fabregas. In terms of a money-making signing, there are few equal to Fabregas. He cost Arsenal just £500,000 (Dh3m) in compensation to Barcelona in 2003, and the Catalan club bought him back in 2011 for 70 times that sum, £35million, after eight years in which he became much-loved by Arsenal fans.

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  3 - Sol Campbell. Arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham and filled the gap in Arsenal's defence left by Tony Adams' retirement. Campbell's arrival coincided with the most trophy-laden years of the Wenger era. Action Images / Henry Browne

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  2 - Thierry Henry. Wenger had the foresight to see that Henry, who was being played as a winger by Juventus, could develop into an out-and-out striker. The Frenchman soon repaid his £11 million (Dh66.8m) fee, becoming the outstanding striker in Europe and Arsenal's record goalscorer. Odd Andersen / AFP

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  1 - Patrick Vieira. The man who began it all. He was Wenger's first target when joining Arsenal and moved from AC Milan for £3.5million (Dh 21m) in 1996. Combative midfielder Vieira became Arsenal's inspirational captain during eight years at the club, winning seven club trophies plus the World Cup and European Championships with France. Paul White / AP

Arsene Wenger prepares to lead Arsenal in his 1,000th match at the helm of the club against Chelsea on Saturday. Review his five best signings for the London side. Text by Press Association.