While Portuguese stars have lit up the stage at the other giants of the Premier League like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, there have been none who have really dazzled at Arsenal Football Club.
Considering Arsenal’s history of bringing in top talent from the continent, it’s a strange quirk that no Portuguese players have really taken to the hearts of the Gunners faithful over the years.
Portuguese Stars Absent from Arsenal’s Golden Age
Looking back at Arsenal’s most successful spell in the modern era from the late 90s to the mid-2000s, there was a surprising lack of Portuguese players in the Gunners’ ranks. Arsenal, who 1/5 favourites in the Premier League title odds this season, were led by the iconic Arsène Wenger. Changing the fortunes and outlook on football at Arsenal, who are 7/2 in the football betting odds to win the UEFA Champions League this term, Wenger had a lasting impact on the north London outfit. However, the team’s domestic success at that time featured no Portuguese stars.
Looking back at the Arsenal squads in that successful era for the club, Wenger relied heavily on fellow Frenchmen, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Robert Pires enjoying great success with the Gunners. While Arsenal also relied on Dutch stars and talent from Africa, Portuguese players were absent from this squad. The likes of Luís Figo, Rui Costa and Deco were all established at top clubs on the continent and it was always going to be difficult for Arsenal to lure those players to Highbury at that time.
Some Near Misses Over the Years
While there has been a noticeable absence of Portuguese players to shine at Arsenal, it has not been for the lack of trying on the Gunners’ part to bring in stars from República Portuguesa. Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has previously admitted he was “within an inch” of joining Arsenal back in 2003. Saying he had a lot of respect for Wenger, Ronaldo revealed he was close to joining the Gunners before making his switch to Old Trafford.
Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva was another Portuguese star who was reportedly attracting the interest of Arsenal following his positive form with Monaco. Impressing in Ligue 1, Silva was thought to be on the Gunners’ radar but City were the ones to win the race for his signature in 2017. Going on to win six Premier League titles during his time with the Citizens, Silva looks to be another Portuguese talent who slipped through Arsenal’s fingers.
With Portuguese players traditionally known for their technical ability, which matches up with Arsenal’s brand of football, it really is a wonder why more stars from Portugal did not shine at Highbury and now at the Emirates. While it seems to be a strange quirk of football history, Arsenal have actively looked at Portuguese players in the past and perhaps down the line, a star who hails from Portugal can become a legend at Arsenal Football Club.
