I distinctly remember this sub trashing him as not good enough. Which always felt harsh but understandable in that first year. He grew into an absolute machine though.
Nope, he was very cheap. Less than 10m pounds. He just wasn’t the typical type of LB from that time. He wasn’t very fast, but man, he was so good. He would hold his own on the left and going fwd he was perfect possession full back.
I loved him so much. When he first came over the transfer felt underwhelming, but soon enough I couldn’t imagine him not being in the team.
I distinctly remember this sub trashing him as not good enough. Which always felt harsh but understandable in that first year. He grew into an absolute machine though.
Am I correct in remembering he was our record transfer at the time?
He was not, he wasn’t even the highest of that calendar year. Nacho was only about €10.00m according to transfermarkt.
Ok I’m remembering someone else. Thought he was around £20mil which was a massive amount for Wenger back then.
I disagree, Arshavin was the biggest purchase before Özil. Monreal could not have the price higher than Arshavin
Nope, he was very cheap. Less than 10m pounds. He just wasn’t the typical type of LB from that time. He wasn’t very fast, but man, he was so good. He would hold his own on the left and going fwd he was perfect possession full back.