Opinion: Arsenal’s Swedish Players in the Premier League Ranked Worst to Best

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·29 juillet 2025

Opinion: Arsenal’s Swedish Players in the Premier League Ranked Worst to Best

Viktor Gyokeres, who officially joined The Gunners on 26th July, will become the seventh Swedish player to feature for Arsenal in the Premier League era. Gooners in Hong Kong will be hoping he gets some minutes against Spurs on Thursday. From title winners to cup heroes, there is a rich history of Swedes who have worn the red and white of Arsenal. Let’s hope Gyokeres can follow in their footsteps.

To be clear, this list is based solely on each player’s time at Arsenal.

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Kim Källström

It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Källström. Signed on loan while carrying a back injury, Arsenal knew the risks but moved ahead with the deal to bring in cover without a transfer fee. Despite his limited appearances, he scored a vital penalty in the FA Cup semi-final shootout against Wigan, helping Arsenal on their way to ending a nine-year trophy drought. For that alone, he earned his medal.

Seb Larsson

The only Swede in this list to come through Arsenal’s youth system. Wenger handed him just three Premier League appearances, all as an emergency left-back. Given the youth opportunities in the early Emirates era, perhaps with more patience, Larsson might have had a long-term role. He later became a Premier League mainstay with Birmingham and Sunderland, and featured in four European Championships and a World Cup. Ironically, his only silverware in England came by beating Arsenal in the League Cup final.

Rami Shaaban

A lesser-known Invincible, Shaaban was on the bench for parts of the 2003-04 season after returning from a serious leg break. Before his injury, he impressed with clean sheets in his Champions League and North London Derby debuts. His short Arsenal stint included wins against Roma and Aston Villa, with his only defeat coming at Old Trafford. Wenger once viewed him as a potential long-term successor to David Seaman.

Stefan Schwarz

Signed after helping Sweden to a World Cup bronze in 1994, Schwarz arrived during a turbulent time. George Graham was dismissed mid-season, and Paul Merson went public with his addiction issues. Schwarz was critical of the club’s tactics and training methods. Still, his last-minute strike in the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final remains a highlight. Ironically, one of his best goals came later, against Arsenal for Sunderland.

Anders Limpar

Arguably the most technically gifted player on this list. Limpar brought flair to a functional, disciplined Arsenal side under George Graham. In the 1990-91 title-winning season, he dazzled with 13 goals and attacking creativity. But Graham never seemed fully comfortable managing such a free spirit. Injuries and tactical rigidity stifled his output in subsequent years. Limpar later said working under Graham felt like being in Iraq, and was hurt when he wasn’t even offered a handshake upon his exit.

Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg (Getty images)

The greatest Swede to play for Arsenal. Spotted by Wenger after a standout performance against England, he joined for a modest fee and became a club legend. Ljungberg was key to Arsenal’s fluid front line, linking brilliantly with Bergkamp, Henry and Pires. His late-season form in 2002, scoring six in five to seal a Double, was unforgettable. He consistently delivered in big games, including FA Cup finals, and was part of the Invincibles squad. Two league titles, three FA Cups, and a Champions League final appearance. All for just £3 million..

Arsenal History: Freddie Ljungberg – The Invincible that cost Wenger just £3 million.

Let’s hope Gyokeres adds his name to the list of Arsenal greats from Sweden.

Your opinions welcome in the comments.

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