From Šuker to Ødegaard: Five Arsenal players signed from Madrid

Arsenal's transfer dealings with Real Madrid, though infrequent, have yielded some memorable and impactful players. A recent report by Planet Football ranks the five most significant signings made by the Gunners directly from the Spanish giants, a list that includes a World Cup star and the club's current captain.

The list begins with Davor Šuker, who joined Arsenal in 1999 after a successful spell at Real Madrid and a standout performance in the 1998 World Cup. Despite scoring a respectable eight Premier League goals in 22 appearances, his time at Arsenal was largely overshadowed by the arrival of Thierry Henry.

Dani Ceballos and Julio Baptista also feature. Ceballos arrived on loan during Mikel Arteta's early tenure, showing flashes of quality, particularly in the 2020 FA Cup win, but ultimately failed to secure a permanent move. Baptista, known as 'La Bestia,' was an unpredictable talent whose loan spell was memorable for moments of brilliance, though consistency was an issue.

Mesut Özil's 2013 transfer was a major statement, bringing creativity and assists that helped Arsenal win two FA Cups. However, his tenure ended with a deteriorated relationship with the club. Topping the list is Martin Ødegaard, who transitioned from a prospect to a key player and now captain, marking him as Arsenal's most successful signing from Real Madrid.