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Arsenal’s African signings: Too Good, Too Bad

Premier League

Wolverhampton

Arsenal

A key figure in Arsenal’s Invincibles side of the middle of the last decade, Lauren arguably never truly got the credit he deserved for his contribution.He began his career as a winger but was converted to right-back in North London and won the double in 2002. With Cameroon, he won two Afcon titles, and the Olympic gold in 2000.

Too Good: Lauren

An Ivorian legend—and one of the key figures as the Elephants won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015—but it’s fair to say that things didn’t go well for birthday boy Gervinho following his arrival at Arsenal.He had a hand in 11 goals in his first season, although more had been expected after the Gunners parted with £10.8 million to sign him from LOSC Lille.After that, a loss of confidence and form made Gervinho something of a figure of fun in the English game, although his fortunes improved after he quit London for AS Roma.

Too Bad: Gervinho

Toure was a part of the 'Invincibles' squad that went on a 49-game unbeaten run in the 2003-04 season.He was a solid and commanding presence in the heart of defence, and, in 2009, moved to ManchesterCity at the height of his powers, spending four years there.The centre-back was one of the first pieces that were put together to form the dominant City outfit to which we have become accustomed.Toure is currently Leicester City assistant manager under his ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

Too Good: Kolo Toure

Aubameyang proved to be a model of goalscoring consistency since arriving at Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2018.In Germany, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Year and knocked Robert Lewandowski off his perch to win the Golden Boot in the 2016-17 season, with a superb return of 31 goals.English defences fared little better than their German counterparts when it comes to keeping Auba at bay, with Aubameyang netting 54 league goals across his first two and a half seasons in England.Despite leading Arsenal to the FA Cup as skipper, things ended sourly for Auba in North London, although he will surely be fondly remembered by Gunners fans.

Too Good: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Chamakh joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Bordeaux in 2010 and had a promising start to his Gunners career.The striker scored 14 goals in 67 appearances before joining West Ham United on loan in January 2013, and later revealed that he felt Arsene Wenger misled him over his first-team opportunities at Arsenal."I played for six months, I scored goals, I was decisive," the Morocco international argued. "In January [2011], Robin (Van Persie) returned from injury and overnight, I landed on the bench without justification."It is clear that I am a little annoyed at [Wenger] because I think I deserved more playing time than what I was given."As the year began, at the start of the season, he told me that we might change tactics and maybe I would be able to play up front with Robin.”Chamakh struggled to recreate his Bordeaux form during stints with CrystalPalace and CardiffCity.

Too Bad: Marouane Chamakh

The two-time African Footballer of the Year overcame adversity early in his career to become a fan favourite at Arsenal, arguably Nigeria's greatest player of all time and one of the most decorated Africans in history.Few could match the technique and unpredictability which made him a hero in North London, and he won two titles and two FA Cups with the Gunners.

Too Good: Nwankwo Kanu

Arsenal’s African signings: Too Good, Too Bad | Goal.com Nigeria

As Gervinho and Nicolas Pepe celebrate their birthdays, GOAL remember the best and worst of Arsenal&apos;s African signings.

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