No:1 Manual Almunia

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Celta Vigo 14 July 2004

An absolute huge season for the peroxide barnet sporting keeper. Now that 'Ze German' mentalist Jens Lehmann is out of the picture Manuel is the top dog between the sticks and even before the mentalist got half way through the exit door he swiped the number one jersey.

Admittedly Manuel as likeable a fella as you can get still hasn't 100% convinced The Arsenal faithful of his ability, and yup I for one am part of that subscription list. Almunia is a great shot stopper but is suspect on free kicks, corners and crosses but you would back him when it comes to penalties. Did I mention he's a good shot stopper though?

The jury is out on the Spanish fella though and he still has to prove if he's more David 'Safe Hands' Seaman or Richard 'Butter Fingers' Wright. Hard to believe but at 31 Almunia now is our most senior player, yikes.

No:2 Abou Diaby

Nationality: French

Signed from: Auxerre 13 Jan 2006

For some reason Le Gaffer preferred to play Abou Diaby, (not to be confused with that city of money place Abu Dhabi in that there United Arab Emirates) on the left wing. However the Arabic translation of Abu Dhabi literally means Father of gazelle. Diaby appearance could be likened to that of a gazelle as the youngster is gangly, graceful and looks slightly awkward at times. However lets hope that's where any familiarities where gazelle's come in as the lions will come a knocking. Anyhow I digress. This season what with the whole sale flogging of The Arsenal midfield which has seen the likes of Alex Hleb, Gilberto and Mathieu Flamoney all go out the door now is the chance for the beanpole player to put a marker down and play in the middle of the park rather than being wasted on the wing.

Diaby has been likened to ex-Arsenal captain, inspirational leader and leg-end Patrick Vieira on many an occasion, so no pressure there then and has shown glimpses that's he's made of the right stuff. Well we'll know come this season.

No. 3 Bacari Sagna
Nationality: French
Signed from: Auxerre 12 Jul 2007

The Blonde Bombshell Bacary Sagna. He came, he saw, he conquered. Sagna took to The Arsenal playing style like a fatman to a pile of bacon sandwiches, with great gusto. When Sagna signed there was a collective 'who' or 'qui'. But a few games in everyone realised what a gem this player was. 'The Bac' has stormed the right back role with such aplomb he was even named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in his first year of English football and this included having his season cut short through injury.

Sporting hair made famous by the Iveda mop & more extensions than that fox Beyoncé, Sagna is quick, strong and can put in a right good tackle, just ask Tom ‘Tubby’ Huddlestone. The loss of Arsenal favourite and Phil Neville throat grabbing Invincible Ralph Lauren has been made easier by the French international's arrival.

Already a firm favourite with the fans, Bacary has stood out as a major asset for us and I'm sure every Gooner felt for him when he's brother Omar Sagna died in February and 'The Bac' still stood up to be counted. A real warrior as well as a humble guy.

No. 4 Francesc 'The Cesc' Fabregas

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Barcelona 11 Sept 2003

Whoever signed the paper work to let this kid out of the Barcelona Academy in 2003 must be working in La McDonald’s in Las Ramblas now. So one huge thank you for that amigo for letting us get him for free. It was a deal, a steal, it was the sale of the fooking century. Having signed a gargantuan eight year contract in 2006 TheCesc™ is set to become an Arsenal leg-end. TheCesc™ is the heartbeat of The Arsenal team, he is the player that makes the team tick. And to think the boy is still only 21.

TheCesc™ is a Gooner through and through and has mucho love for the club so much so that he even blasted Arsenal parent club Barcelona not to keep shouting the odds and tapping up players. "A club like Barca should show a bit more respect to the intimacy of a club like Arsenal that never make a lot of noise over transfers and who always try to do things properly." You got to love him.

Hopefully we’ll see Senior Fabregas sporting the shirt for years to come. However it goes without saying we'll all have to deal with the usual 'Cesc off to Real Madrid’ every summer shenanigans, nothing new there then with that shirt number!

No. 5 Kolo Touré

Nationality: Ivory Coast

Signed from: Asec Mimosas 14 Feb 2002

Kolo eats raw steak and can run through brick walls whilst carrying a Volvo estate. Strong as an ox and apparently not to shabby off the starting blocks only Walcott is quicker.

King Kolo is the ‘immovable object’ in the heart of The Arsenal defence. Hard to believe but The Lion of the Emirates is the last player left from The Invincibles team. King Kolo has made himself one of the fans favourites with his never say die, robust displays as well as that bit of funky kung fu action against Ajax during a Champions League match up a few years back.

A very humble person and a dying breed in this day and age of 'get rich quick, show me the money' footballers to boot.

No. 6 Philippe Senderos

Nationality: Swiss

Signed from: Servette FC 8 Aug 2002

Hard to believe Young Senderos has been at The Arsenal now for six years. The jury is definitely out on the chunky Toberone munching fella. Seen as Tony Adams’ heir apparent, big things were expected of Big Phil who snatched the legendary ex captains number 6 shirt but unfortunately so far that's about as much as Senderos has in common with Mr. Arsenal.

Seen as an improvement of the comical and downright heart attack inducing defending of Pascal Cygan, Senderos is more Igor Stepanovs than Tony Adams. However big things are expected of him and lets not forget he's only 23 years old and for those old enough a certain Arsenal leg-end didn't come into his own until he reached about that age.

This season will see the Swiss Alp more of a back up than a first teamer, but lets see how the crew cut hard nut gets on. Well he's got on so well he's gone and 'earned' himself a season long loan move to AC Milan. How strange is that? It's like Pascal Cygan being named defender of the season. But any road up, we wish Big Phil all the best, I don't see him playing in an Arsenal shirt again though. So good luck Phil.

No. 7  Tomáš Rosický

Nationality: Czech Republic

Signed from: Borussia Dortmund 23 May 2006

‘Little Mozart’ came to The Arsenal by way of a £7m layout and brought in to replace the mercurial Bobby Pires. The little Czech is something of a play maker and can score a blinding goal or two. However we're yet to witness these so called feats as 'Little Mozart' is more likely to be be laid up in bed than to be found on the pitch. Contrary to belief Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie aren't running a book to see who can get the most sick days off and still get paid.

Admittedly on his day Rosicky is a blinding little player and this coming season will be a huge one for him, it even could be a case of make or break for the Czech star.

No. 8  Samir Nasri

Nationality: French

Signed from: Olympic Marseille 4 July 2008

Samir Nasri finally joined The Arsenal after a much protracted move from French king pins Olympic Marseille which took about six months to complete making the move just about eligible for EU regulations, So lets hope it was worth the wait. Nasri can plays as an attacking midfielder or winger and likes to have a pop at goal, something not too familiar with some of our midfield players.

The youngster with Algerian roots has been likened to head butting World Cup, European Cup, European Player of the Year and World Payer of the Year winner Zinedine Zidane, so no pressure there then. Let's hope that Nasri is more Zidane than Bruno Cheyrou, cross fingers.

No. 9 Eduardo da Silva

Nationality: Crozillian

Signed from: Dinamo Zagreb 3 July 2007

The Crozillian striker was a surprise transfer target when the media had Wenger down for signing the likes of Obafemi Martins and Le Sulk Anelka in the summer of 2007.

Eduardo’s previous record speaks for itself when he couldn’t stop scoring for fun - cue Wenger to snap him up to produce that form in the Premier League. Low and behold The Crozillian was banging them in and just getting into his stride when 'crack' relegation fodder Birmingham City hatchet man Martin 'Tiny' Taylor decided to try and do a live amputation on the quick footed striker leaving Eduardo clutching at his ankle which was by this time was in the West Stand.

However there must be something in the water in Brazil or indeed The Crozillian has got super human powers as the striker looks to be back very soon. Whoever Eduardo had helping him out on his injuries should have a word with messrs van Persie and Rosicky and get those two work shy shysters back amongst it.

No. 10 William Gallas

Nationality: French

Signed: Bank of Chelsea 31 Aug 2006

Captain Willy, what can you say about this player? Not exactly the first, second, third, fourth (continue to fade) choice of Arsenal captain. Gallas still has to convince Gooners he has the cojones and right mental attitude to be the top boy. He is mental we know that and his flipping his lid, kicking hoarding's, sitting down in the centre circle and crying like he has just been spanked wont of endeared with to the Gooner faithful.

Since his move from CSKA Chelsea Billy Gallas hasn't quite found the form which deemed many a pundit to name him one of the worlds top centre backs. Again another big season for the mentalist.

No. 11  Robin van Persie

Nationality: Dutch

Signed from: Feyenoord 17 May 2004

The conundrum that is Robin van Persie. By far one of The Arsenal's most skillful players who can turn a match with a bit of magic. Also probably the only player who hasn't signed the part of his contract where it says you cant shoot from outside the area, as Robin van Persie has an American marine in Iraq attitude to friendly fire - shoot on sight.

Hailed as Arsenal leg-end's Dennis Bergkamp's successor Old Snake Hips spends far too much time on the treatment table flashing his sick notes around. Now that his best mate Gary Lewin has taken up the full time role of England physio, the banning of computer games and page three stunna's from the treatment room, hopefully we'll see more of Rocking Robin on the pitch and see if he can play more than three games on the spin.

No. 12 Carlos Vela

Nationality: Mexican

Signed from: Chivas de Guadalajara Summer 2005

The player with more loan deals than a northern monkey on some dodgy estate who's consolidating his debts. The young Mexican finally arrives at The Arsenal after about 17 loan deals with various Spanish clubs to secure his work permit after initially signing some time way back in the early 1980's.

The winger com second striker has been described as mini Eduardo, meaning that the Mexican fella is a bit tricky, fast, very mobile and can play on the wing as well as up front.

After arriving at Ashburton Grove Vela pledged to be a 'Warrior' for The Arsenal. Well stuff like mate will only win more friends.

Expect the youngster to get a few games as we have no midfield now but most likely he will star in the Carling Cup games.

No. 14  Theo Walcott

Nationality: English
Signed from: Southampton 20 Jan 2006

Now wearing the famous number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal leg-end Thierry Henry (and before him Martin Keown for you anoraks out there) Walcott certainly has a big pair of cojones on him. It's not as if the kid isn't going to be compared to the former goal king without nicking his shirt into the bargain.

The kid has got pace to burn, an eye for goal and has out of this world technical ability in true Arsenal fashion a bit like a certain you know who. His amazing run against Liverpool in last seasons Champions League has got Gooners salivating in anticipation of what the kid is capable of.

Major things are expected from Theo this season, so lets hope he grabs his chance with both hands.

No. 15  Denilson

Nationality: Brazilian

Signed from: São Paulo 31 Aug 2006

Denilson apparently is Gilberto and Tomas Rosicky rolled into one, so lets hope he doesn't get injured before doing one to Greece. Last season wasn't the best for him and he was cut down for many spells by injury, what's new? He has been compared to Rosicky!

This season sees Denilson get a chance to call a midfield role his own as there's no more Flamini or Gilberto ahead of him. A huge season for a player who only in December 2007 signed a five year extension to his current contract, so obviously The Arsenal hierarchy have huge belief in him. Normally came and collected but does have a bit of hot head on him as was evident when he got a red card for raking down some player in a Carling Cup match up last season.

No. 16  Aaron Ramsey

Nationality: Welsh

Signed from: Cardiff City Summer 2008

The Welsh wizard who's been labeled the new Ryan Giggs. Ramsey earned himself cult status amongst all Gooners even before kicking a ball in anger as he turned down northern monkeys Manchester United to play for the Wenger Boys, well done fella.

Only 17 years old the Welshman is typical of a Wenger signing, young, level headed and talented. Ramsey has been likened to Scouser Stephen 'Stevie G' Gerrard, so that can't be too bad. Although I hope the comparison is not for taking shots from 140 yards out and getting one in twenty shots anywhere near on target.

No. 17 Alex Song

Nationality: Cameroon

Signed from: Bastia 19 Sept 2005

Alex Song's uncle or his cousin (depending on what paper/site you subscribe to) is Rigobert Song, you know that fella who played for Liverpool.

The young African fella who bears an uncanny resemblance to Muppet Show drummer Animal had many a Gooner cursing and wondering what the hell he was doing at The Arsenal. However Song seems to have lost the inherited Pascal Cygan title of 'The much maligned Arsenal player' and come into his own, even keeping out regular first teamer's and grabbing hold of the centre back spot. Who would of thought?

No. 18 Mikael Silvestre

Nationality: French

Signed from: Manchester USA Summer 2008

Still need to do a write up on this one.

No. 19 Jack Wilshere

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee 2007

Still need to do a write up on this one.

No. 20 Johan Djourou

Nationality: Swiss

Signed from: Etoile Carouge FC 1 Aug 2003

Another one from our promising pool of youngsters and apparently better than his Swiss team mate Big Phil Senderos, but lets not go there.

Djourou can play at centre back as well as a defensive midfielder which is where he really fancies his chances. And being that The Arsenal are in dire need of a defensive midfielder he might get a run out there during the season.

Djourou can be seen on the pub circuit doing impersonations to supplement his Premiership wages of hip hop legend ODB, "Oh baby I like it raw!"

No.21 Lukasz Fabianski

Nationality: Polish

Signed from: Legia Warszawa  26 May 2007

The Polish keeper is considered a natural talent, hence Wenger dusting off the cheque book and snapping up the 22 year old in 2007.

Officially The Arsenal number two this will be a big season for Wukash. The question is, has he got the cojones to displace or even put pressure on Manuel Almunia? The youngster has already captained the side albeit it was in the Carling Cup but huge belief has been bestowed on the youngster and with Wenger not flexing his chequebook for a keeper this summer it's all on Fabianski to prove he is the man, OK number two man but you get the drift.

No.22 Gael Clichy

Nationality: French

Signed from: AS Cannes 3 Aug 2003

Knee high to a Sugar Babe and weighing as much as Craig David’s chin, Clichy is the youngest player ever to win a Premiership medal and is jet heeled in proper Arsenal fashion.

Other than defending for his life Gael 'Force' Clichy can be seen bombing up the left flank (well in a blur, he’s so quick). Bags of talent and humbleness you wont see this left back splattered across media tat mags such as Hello and OK.

Clichy recently signed a long term extension for The Arsenal flicking the v's at Juventus, Roma AS and the British media into the bargain asking "Why would I want to leave?'. Why indeed Gael.

If he continues his Arsenal education Clichy could quite easily be Arsenal’s favourite left back since former Gooner and England ‘Best left back in he world’ Nigel Winterburn.

No.24 Vito Mannone

Nationality: Italian

Signed from: Atalanta Summer 2005

Vito Mannone standing an incredible 1.97 m (that's 6 ft 51⁄2 in in English old money) sounds more like one of Tony Soprano's lieutenants than an Arsenal keeper. Vito 'The Hands' came to The Arsenal by way of Italian Serie A team Atalanta and is now our number three keeper.

The keeper is only 20 years old and will be seen in only reserve games and probably get a showing in the Carling Cup if he's lucky.

No.25 Emmanuel Adebayor

Nationality: Togo

Signed from: Monaco 13 Jan 2006

Even though Adebayor scored a truckload of goals last season (30 in all competitions) the jury is still out on the tall gangly fella as he missed a bucketload of chances as well. However Adebayor might of burnt his bridges with all Gooners especially since during the summer he chose to mouth off about getting a massive pay hike all because at ripe old age of 24 he wants to plan his retirement. The Togonator wanted £100K a week, yeah mate in your dreams.

After racking up those goals in his first full season The Togonator did have the likes of AC Milan and Barcelona sniffing around, however those offers weren't firmed up and now Adebayor remains at The Arsenal.

When not asking for ludicrous amounts of money, Adebayor can be found on the underground fighting circuit to supplement his wages, just ask Nicklas Bendtner.

No. 26 Nicklas Bendtner

Nationality: Danish

Signed Pro terms: 1 Aug 2004

The quiet, introverted, wouldn't say boo to a goose big fella at 19 already is a fully loaded international player but has yet to spark at The Arsenal. The Dane does have undoubted talent even if he is the first one to tell you that. Apparently his favourite subject is himself, himself and himself - and in that order.

No doubt we'll be seeing more of the tattooed Danish fella this season and see if he can push on a get a starter role rather than as a back up.

No. 27 Emmanuel Eboué

Nationality: Ivory Coast

Signed from: Beveren 2 Jan 2005

The guy certainly has talent but leaves many a Gooner holding their heads with his histrionics and theatrics. If he applied himself and left the 'Platoon' Oscar© winning performances at home he would be on his way to be a star - not on the big screen but on the pitch.

No. 30 Armand Traore

Nationality: French
Signed: Monaco 1 Aug 2006

No relation to Portsmouth and ex-Liverpool player Djimi Traore, thank fook. The understudy to Gael Clichy and what a gem. Traore plies his trade at left back but can also play on the left wing which he might have to stick with as there's no chance, injuries aside that he'll get the nod ahead of Gael 'Force' Clichy.

This season will see the teenager continue to get his football education under the tutorage of Arsene Wenger.

Loaned out to Portsmouth for the 2008-09 Season.