2000: Arsenal sign Pires
After beating off competition from Real Madrid and Juventus, Arsenal signed Robert Pires from Marseille.
The winger, who had just helped France win the UEFA European Championship, took his time to settle in the Premier League, but his career took off in his second season at Highbury.
The FIFA 1998 World Cup winner established a wonderful understanding on the left of the Gunners’ attack with compatriot Thierry Henry and topped the PL assists charts with 15 as Arsenal won the Premier League and FA Cup double.
He also won the 2001/02 Football Writers' Player of the Year.
During his six seasons at Arsenal, Pires became a firm fan favourite, amassing 189 PL appearances, scoring 62 goals and helping ‘The Invincibles’ go unbeaten for their 2003/04 title-winning campaign.
Following a spell in Spain with Villarreal, Pires returned to the Premier League, playing nine times for Aston Villa.
2013: Shelvey moves to Swansea
Jonjo Shelvey completed his move to Swansea City from Liverpool after agreeing a four-year deal with the Welsh club.
The midfielder made his mark by scoring his first goal for the Swans in a 2-2 draw against the club who sold him.
Shelvey, a playmaker known for his fine passing and accuracy from set-pieces, went on to make 79 PL appearances over three seasons, scoring 10 times.
