1. Gilles Grimandi (1997–2002)
- Why Forgotten? The French defender/midfielder made 129 appearances for Arsenal, contributing to the 1997/98 Double under Arsène Wenger. However, his role as a versatile squad player often overshadowed by stars like Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars has left him fading from memory.
- Notable Moment: Scored a crucial goal against Crystal Palace in 1998.
- Post-Arsenal: Moved to Colorado Rapids, but his quiet exit from the Premier League scene contributed to his obscurity among younger fans.
2. Igors Stepanovs (2000–2004)
- Why Forgotten? The Latvian centre-back’s 21 appearances included the infamous 6-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2001, where his error-prone performance became a talking point. His limited impact (just 12 league games) and subsequent loan spells have buried his Arsenal tenure in the annals of history.
- Notable Moment: That disastrous United match, which remains a rare low point in Wenger’s early success, yet few recall his other contributions.
- Post-Arsenal: Returned to Latvia with Skonto Riga, fading from Premier League consciousness.
3. Francis Jeffers (2001–2004)
- Why Forgotten? Dubbed “The Fox in the Box” after a promising start at Everton, Jeffers scored only 5 goals in 33 appearances for Arsenal. His £8 million transfer in 2001 raised expectations, but injuries and loan spells (e.g., to Everton and Rangers) dimmed his Gunners legacy.
- Notable Moment: Scored a hat-trick against Leyton Orient in the League Cup, but this highlight is rarely celebrated.
- Post-Arsenal: His career wound down in lower leagues, leaving little trace in Arsenal folklore.
4. Park Chu-young (2011–2014)
- Why Forgotten? Signed from Monaco for £3 million, the South Korean forward made just 5 appearances, spending most of his time on loan at Celta Vigo and Watford. His lack of impact during Arsenal’s transitional period under Wenger has rendered him a footnote.
- Notable Moment: Scored on his debut against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup, but it was a fleeting moment in an otherwise invisible stint.
- Post-Arsenal: Revived his career in South Korea, but Arsenal fans rarely mention his brief tenure.
5. Joel Campbell (2011–2017)
- Why Forgotten? Despite seven loan spells across Europe (e.g., Real Betis, Villarreal) and 34 appearances for Arsenal, the Costa Rican winger’s contributions were minimal, with 4 goals. His potential never fully materialized at the Emirates, overshadowed by the club’s attacking stars.
- Notable Moment: Scored a good goal against Swansea in the 2015/16 season, but his loan-heavy career diluted his Gunners identity.
- Post-Arsenal: Moved to Liga MX with León, fading from Premier League memory.
