Arsenal is arguably one of the most prominent football clubs in the world, boasting a vast fan base that supports them worldwide. And it’s no question that, due to its huge reputation, some of the world’s best players arrive at the Emirates to make a place within the team’s history.
Wenger, Henry, Arteta, and many individuals have been able to create their history as Gunners, pushing the team to limits it would have never reached. This, in great part, is due to Arsenal’s constant presence in the transfer market, looking to strengthen new areas of their system each summer/winter.
With the growth of transfer fuzz, speculation, and the emergence of transfer bets in various internet betting platforms, many players from many different countries and backgrounds are considered to become part of the squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
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One of the many countries that can have a player on the Arsenal squad next season is none other than Ireland, a country that produces a great amount of Premier League talent. Although Irish talent hasn’t been present at the Emirates for quite some seasons now, there have been a great number of Irish players who have played for Arsenal in the past.
But who are these players, and which are the most important ones?
Liam Brady (1973-1980)
The midfield phenomenon that captivated the Arsenal fanbase during the late 70s must have a place inside this list. Liam Brady was one of Arsenal’s most important players of the 20th century, with an elegant and sophisticated style that took the English league by storm.
Arriving at Arsenal in 1973, Liam Brady quickly became a crucial part of Arsenal’s plans, being one of the most creative footballers of his decade, becoming one of Europe’s best playmakers at a very young age.
A player known for his insane vision and passing range, Brady left Arsenal in the year 1980 to sign for Italian side Juventus, not before having played 304 games for the gunners and scoring 59 goals, alongside personal accolades like the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1975, a true achievement for the Dublin native
David O’Leary (1975-1993)
Roma has Totti, AC Milan has Paolo Maldini, FC Barcelona has Carles Puyol, and Arsenal has David O’Leary. A talented and robust defender born in Ireland, O’Leary is one of the most historic defenders in Arsenal history.
Although the one club man status can be questioned as he did leave Arsenal for just one campaign at the end of his career, his dedication for the club is undoubtable with over 600 games across 18 seasons as a gunner and, eventually, one of the players with the most games played with the Arsenal shirt in the club’s history.
O’Leary’s presence was important, not due to his skills on the pitch, but thanks to his leadership and personality, which tremendously helped every manager that sat on the Arsenal bench until Arsene Wenger arrived.
With two league titles, two FA Cups, and two League Cup wins, David O’Leary has earned the name of Arsenal’s most historic defender, all whilst also leading the backline for Ireland, with whom he reached the World Cup in 1990.
Joe Haverty (1954-1961)
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1936, Joe Haverty played for Arsenal for 7 seasons. Arriving from St. Patrick’s Athletic at the young age of 18, it wasn’t until his 20s that Joe Haverty made his presence felt at Highbury.
Although not the best of strikers, especially due to his lightweight complexity, the truth is that Joe Haverty’s impact at Arsenal was notable due to his great playmaking abilities, which he used to create goals for his teammates, turning into one of Arsenal’s biggest magicians and personalities, as stated by fans who watched him at the time.
Although his spell at the club lasted for 7 years, his continuous back problems eventually ended his career, but his place in Gunner history is undeniable, being a key part, not only for Arsenal during the 1950s, but also for the club’s overall development as a scout for Irish talent.
Niall Quinn (1983-1990)
Although Niall Quinn would become a club legend elsewhere, most specifically at Manchester City, the Irish striker was raised at the Arsenal youth academy and, later, the Arsenal squad, as a rotational piece.
With 87 games as a gunner, the Irish striker, who became a very important piece for the irish national team, scored 18 goals during his time at Arsenal, much less than what he would eventually score at both Manchester City and Sunderland, two teams where he made history by scoring a combined 139 goals in 451 games for both clubs.
Although Niall Quinn wasn’t that good for Arsenal, it was at Highbury where fans could start to see what one of Ireland’s most prolific strikers was able to do.
Frank Stapleton (1975-1981)
From one striker to another, Stapleton and Quinn share very similar traits: they were both better once they left Arsenal for Manchester, although for Stapleton, it was United who allowed him to continue his career in England.
Still, Stapleton arrived at Arsenal at a very young age, which shows how keen Arsenal was on scouting Irish talent between the 70s and the 80s. Playing alongside his fellow countryman and club legend David O’Leary, Stapleton, who, as said before, was best known for his time at United, managed to become a key piece on Arsenal’s squad.
At Arsenal, Stapleton become one of the most prolific goal scorers in the team’s history, being able to find the back of the net a total of 106 times in his 293 appearances for the club, that’s a goal every 3 games, big numbers considering how difficult it was to score at the time.
Drought in the 21st Century
Although many Irish players have had the chance to suit up in gunner red throughout history, it hasn’t been the case for many years, as no Irish players (except Declan Rice, if you consider his Irish background) have played for Arsenal.
With questions surrounding Irish talent and their presence at Arsenal, who will be the next Irish player to become a Gunner?
Only time will tell.
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