When Arsène Wenger walked away from Arsenal in May 2018, he closed the book on one of football’s most iconic managerial careers. But before he left, the Frenchman made a final handful of signings, five players who, in one way or another, were meant to help usher Arsenal into a new era.

Five years on, it’s a great time to look back at Wenger’s last recruits: where they came from, what they offered, and what became of them in the post-Wenger chapters of their careers.

Alexandre Lacazette (Signed July 2017)

Wenger worked for years to bring Lacazette to Arsenal, and when he finally arrived from Lyon, the Frenchman didn’t disappoint. Quick, clever, and spirited, he became a fan favourite almost instantly, forming an especially joyful partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once the latter arrived.

Post-Wenger:

Lacazette remained a key figure under Unai Emery and then Mikel Arteta, often captaining the side. Though his goal output fluctuated, his link-up play and leadership were consistently valued. In the summer of 2022, he returned to Lyon on a free transfer, fittingly going back to where it all began, and immediately rediscovering his goalscoring touch.

Sead Kolašinac (Signed July 2017)

Nicknamed “The Tank,” Kolašinac arrived from Schalke with a reputation for physicality and attacking drive. His debut season had its high points, including a Community Shield goal against Chelsea, but inconsistency and defensive vulnerability often held him back.

Post-Wenger:

Under Emery and Arteta, Kolašinac found playing time harder to come by. He spent a loan spell back at Schalke in 2021 before mutually parting ways with Arsenal in January 2022. He joined Marseille, where he found more stability and regular football in Ligue 1.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Signed January 2018)

The Armenian playmaker arrived as part of the high-profile swap deal that sent Alexis Sánchez to Manchester United. Technical, elegant, and capable of threading the most delicate passes, Mkhitaryan showed glimpses of brilliance but never quite found sustained form in North London.

Post-Wenger:

Mkhitaryan continued under Emery but eventually sought a new environment. A loan move to Roma in 2019 turned into a permanent deal, and he enjoyed a productive spell in Serie A. In 2022, he made the short trip across the city to Inter Milan, becoming a key squad figure under Simone Inzaghi.

Konstantinos Mavropanos (Signed January 2018)

Perhaps the most “classic Wenger” of his final signings, a relatively unknown young defender plucked from PAS Giannina in Greece. Mavropanos showed promise early on with a few composed, physical displays, but injuries and competition limited his opportunities.

Post-Wenger:

Arsenal loaned him to Nürnberg and then to Stuttgart, where he flourished. Stuttgart eventually made the move permanent, and by 2022–23 he had become one of the Bundesliga’s more highly regarded centre-backs, still only in his early twenties, and very much a player with room to grow.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Signed January 2018)

Wenger’s final signing, and unquestionably the most explosive. Aubameyang arrived from Borussia Dortmund and hit the ground sprinting, scoring freely from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. His pace, charisma, and finishing made him an instant Arsenal hero.

Post-Wenger:

Aubameyang thrived under Emery and had an extraordinary early spell under Arteta, including crucial goals that led Arsenal to the 2020 FA Cup. However, disciplinary issues and a breakdown in relations with Arteta led to his contract being terminated in early 2022. He joined Barcelona, impressed immediately, and later moved back to England with Chelsea later that same year.

The Legacy of Wenger’s Final Five

These signings represent a fascinating cross-section of Wenger’s footballing philosophy in his final months: a mix of seasoned stars, undervalued technicians, and youthful prospects. Some proved cornerstone players, others drifted into more suitable environments, but all of them form part of Wenger’s closing footprint on Arsenal’s modern history.

Today, as Arsenal push forward under Mikel Arteta, the squad has largely moved beyond these names, but their stories remain part of the club’s transitional years. And in true Wenger fashion, at least a couple of them may still have their best chapters ahead.