No:1 Manual Almunia

Nationality: Spanish

Signed from: Celta Vigo 14 July 2004

Manuel as likeable a fella as you can get still hasn't 100% convinced The Arsenal faithful of his ability. 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 than Richard 'Butter Fingers' Wright. This season the peroxide blonde locks have gone and Almunia has adopted a kind of Bruno tribute hair style, probably his way to put off strikers unlike madman Jens Lehmann who just used to grab the opposition players by the throat a la Darth Vader stylee.

Now after completing five full seasons in England, Manuel is eligible to wear the three lions across his chest. The jury is still out whether 'Spanish Al' should be playing for England or as the Daily Mail would put it 'Foreigners come over here and taking our top jobs' or something of the like. The word 'out rage' would definitely be in there somewhere if Almunia did get the nod from the English national coach Fabio Capello.

No:2 Abou Diaby

Nationality: French

Signed from: Auxerre 13 Jan 2006

For some reason Le Gaffer prefers 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.

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. That said he seems to get injured every third game he plays and then is out of action for 2 months at a time. Diaby can be one of the most frustrating players at times to boot as he does seem to have the minerals but never quite breaks out the comfort zone and really needs to take this season by the scruff of the neck and give it some.

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. Thomas Vermaelen

Nationality: Belgian

Signed from: Ajax Amsterdam June 2009

Vermaelen depending on what source you read is 'The Beast from Belgium' that all Gooners have been crying out for in defence. Apparently 'The Verminator' is a bit of an animal and is a no nonsense defender, something I reckon all Gooners have been hoping for every since Arsenal leg-end Martin Keown hung up his 'Ruud van Cheatingcoont kicking' boots. Also depending on what paper/site you subscribe to Vermaelen is anything from 5"10' to 6"1', however height has never been a stone wall guarantee for being a great header of the ball - just look at Pascal Cygan, that fella was about 7"5' and he couldn't head the ball for love nor money.

Bearing an uncanny resemblance to that fella out of Prison Break, let's all hope the former Ajax captain has got the cojones and the minerals to get us out of jail (see what we did there?) with his robust tackling and all action style.

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. Nasri 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. So far in his Arsenal career Nasri has shown he is more Zidane than Bruno Cheyrou, which is nice.

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.

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 Va va voom you may of heard of. Although only 20, huge things are expected of Theo and this has to be a defining season for the youngster. Hopefully he's got himself in the gym, eaten his spinach and bulked up a bit to put a bit of size on, so he doesn't get bullied off the ball by many an 'agricultural' defender out there.

That said Walcott has come out at the start of the 2009/10 season saying as well as playing the pretty stuff The Arsenal need to get 'dirty'. Looks like our little Theo is growing up.

No. 15  Denilson

Nationality: Brazilian

Signed from: São Paulo 31 Aug 2006

Denilson when first coming to The Arsenal was described by Arsene Wenger as Gilberto and Tomas Rosicky rolled into one, so lets hope he doesn't get injured before doing one to Greece.

Another one of 'Wenger's Project Youth' players and many circles believe Denilson is Wenger's love-child seeing the amount of chances the youngster has had without really lighting up The Emirates. A steady player but not one to get you overly excited or on your feet, apparently Denilson's nickname is 'caranguejo' which is Portuguese for crab - which is quite apt as every time the Brazilian has a pass on it goes sideways.

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. 19 Jack Wilshere

Nationality: English

Signed from: Trainee 2007

Little Jack the Lad, well what can be said about our modern day new version of Liam Brady? Arsene Wenger who know's a thing or two apparently about nurturing young talent has urged everyone not to get too carried away with the potential of Jack the Lad and to be mindful of the pressures of a young player and basically telling everyone 'take it easy' - but what does Le Gaffer do? Compares Jack the Lad to Wayne Rooney, obviously not the shagging of grannies or being a bit of ginger more of the being young, English, a match winner, huge potential and being young and English. So no pressure there then son.

This could prove to be a massive season for young Jack as I'm sure as is The Arsenal way there will be plenty of injuries throughout the season and that being the case it would be great to see Wenger throwing on the 17 year old on the pitch here and there to see what he can do. Well he couldn't do much worse than say Emmanuel Eboué or Wenger love child Denilson, could he?

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 or not.

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 cheque book 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.

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.23 Andrei Arshavin

Nationality: Russian

Signed from: Zenit St. Petersburg January 2009

Since retiring from his stretch as mini-me, Arshavin has come on the scene and blown just about every Gooner away. The man with the silky skills and a rifle of a shot to boot is the type of player Gooners have been hoping for ever since the heady days of Sir Dennis of Bergkamp. Standing just two and half inches tall Arshavin is even smaller than the smallest piece found in one of those sets of Matryoshka dolls or Russian dolls for the less initiated. What the little man lacks in height and size he certainly makes up for in talent and creativity. Arshavin has a keen eye for goal and thinks nothing of popping the ball from all ranges and angles and dangles.

As well as having a keen eye for the audacious, Arshavin also does a fine line in face pulling when he scores a  belter and is in line to represent his country in the World Gurning Championships.

No.24 Vito Mannone

Nationality: Italian

Signed from: Atalanta Summer 2005

Vito Mannone standing an incredible 1.97m (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. 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

Known as 'knuckles' and doing a fine side line in 'four fingered jewelry' Traore is 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 little 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 after a very good loan spell to south coasters and Arsenal retirement home Portsmouth FC.

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 20 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 as Bendtner wont have his minder and sometimes play fight buddy Emmanuel Adebarndoor in his way for a starting spot. Once again big things are being expected of the big lad. And yes, he probably will be wearing those pink boots.