Arsenal has always demanded ruthless goalscorers—those who can turn half-chances into legends. In this journey through the Gunners’ history, AnaGoal invites you to explore the fiercest, sharpest, most feared forwards in Arsenal’s history. These are the names that strike fear into defenders, that echo in chants and records. Here are the best Arsenal strikers of all time—by goals, legacy, skill, and unforgettable moments.
The criteria: what makes a Great Gunner striker?
Before we dive in, what separates an excellent forward from an all-time legend? At AnaGoal, our assessment blends objective data and emotional resonance. Key metrics include:
- Total goals scored and goals per game ratio
- Longevity and consistency
- Impact in big matches (titles, derbies, European nights)
- Influence on club identity and fan memory
With those in mind, let’s line up Arsenal’s greatest marksmen.
Thierry Henry — The Unrivalled Maestro
If there is a single name that immediately springs to any fan’s mind, it’s Thierry Henry. His mixture of speed, elegance, finishing, and sheer aura made him not just a Gunner legend—but an icon of world football.
- Henry scored 228 goals for Arsenal in all competitions.
- In the Premier League alone he netted 175 goals, the most in the club’s top-flight history.
- He also holds Arsenal records for most European goals (42) and most Champions League goals (35).
- His highest tally in a season was 30 Premier League goals (2003–04), tied for the club record.
- He won the European Golden Shoe twice while wearing the red and white.
Henry wasn’t just a striker—he was the beating heart of Arsenal’s attack for nearly a decade. His ability to ghost in behind, his coolness under pressure, and his capacity to change a game single-handedly place him at the summit for many fans and analysts alike.
Ian Wright — The Heart and Fire of the Club
When passion, grit, and a warrior spirit count, Ian Wright towers. Before Henry, Wright was the embodiment of the Arsenal goalscorer.
- Wright ended his Arsenal career with 185 goals in all competitions.
- He was the club’s all-time top goalscorer until being overtaken by Henry.
- Wright’s goals-per-game ratio was superb, and his relentless drive made him a constant threat.
- He played an essential role in many of Arsenal’s domestic successes in the late ’80s and ’90s.
Wright’s connection with the fans was visceral—he celebrated goals like they meant life and death, and for many Gooners, those emotions still flicker whenever his name is uttered.
Robin van Persie — A Modern-Classical Hybrid
Van Persie arrived at Arsenal with world-class reputation and left as one of the most complete forwards the club has seen.
- He scored 132 goals for Arsenal in all competitions.
- In the 2011–12 season, he bagged 30 Premier League goals, equaling Henry’s single-season record.
- His technical brilliance, intelligent movement, and aerial ability made him a multipurpose threat.
- He was often the decisive factor in tight matches.
Though his time at Arsenal ended controversially, van Persie’s talent and output during his peak years ensure his place among the best Arsenal strikers of all time.
Cliff Bastin, Ted Drake and Historic Icons
No all-time list is complete without honoring the legends from Arsenal’s earlier eras.
- Cliff Bastin: Before modern strikers, Bastin was a goal machine. He scored 178 goals for Arsenal and held the club scoring record for decades.
- Ted Drake: Famous for a 7-goal haul in one match, Drake’s 139 goals in 184 appearances remain memorable.
- Jimmy Brain, John Radford, Joe Hulme: These names echo.
Recent Eras: Aubameyang, Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette
In the Premier League era, Arsenal had a fresh set of forwards who carried the torch for modern football’s demands.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Aubameyang joined in 2018 for a hefty fee.
- He secured a Golden Boot in the 2018–19 season and delivered big goals in FA Cups and key league games.
- His speed and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.
Olivier Giroud
- A craftsman in build-up as well as finishing.
- He scored 73 goals in 180 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions.
- Capped his Gunners career with consistency, physicality, and important goals.
Alexandre Lacazette
- Though not topping all-time charts, Laca delivered consistent contributions, linking up attack play and carrying the forward line during transitional years.
These strikers kept Arsenal competitive at the sharp end, especially when shifting tactical contexts demanded forwards who could roam, assist, and press—not just poach.
How They Compare: leaderboard vs legacy
Let’s look at a simplified comparison:
| Player | Goals (All comps) | Goals per Game | Era / Traits |
| Thierry Henry | 228 | Very high | Pace, elegance, clutch scorer |
| Ian Wright | 185 | High | Grit, consistency, emotional impact |
| Robin van Persie | 132 | Strong | Technical mastery, all-round forward |
| Cliff Bastin | 178 | Solid | Historical scoring machine |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | ~ | Good | Modern speed + finishing |
| Olivier Giroud | 73 | Decent | Hold-up, link-play, physical strength |
While raw stats favor Henry, Wright, and Bastin, the blend of era context, tactical adaptation, and emotional imprint gives nuance to any “best” ranking.
Why these legends still matter
- Cultural imprint: Henry’s “1–0” chants, Wright’s celebrations—they live in Gunners lore.
- Benchmarking excellence: Modern strikers joining Arsenal are judged against these benchmarks.
- Stylistic lineage: You can trace attacking philosophies. 9 shirt at Arsenal—goals, flair, heart, and legacy.
Conclusion
Best Arsenal strikers of all time is more than a record list—it’s a compass pointing to what the club values: goals, character, and legacy. Thierry Henry stands alone as the benchmark, Ian Wright as the fan favorite, van Persie as the technical modernist, while Bastin and Drake remind us of Arsenal’s foundational roots. Even modern warriors like Aubameyang and Giroud carry that torch forward.
At AnaGoal, we hope this journey through Arsenal’s goal-hungry history struck a chord. If you want player head-to-heads, goal breakdowns, or a look at current and future Arsenal forwards—just say the word.
