The former Nigeria international has been hailed by Arsene Wenger as his best winter signing during his 22-year reign at Arsenal
Wenger signed players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor during the January transfer window, but none made a massive impact like Kanu.
The Frenchman took a gamble on the ex-Super Eagles star when he brought him from Inter Milan in 1999 for a reported fee of £4.15m.
Kanu had missed football between 1996-1997 after he underwent surgery to correct a defect in his heart. Although he did return in 1997, it was still a risk on Wenger’s part when he paid £4.15m for the Nigerian in 1999.
However, Kanu proved to be a big hit at Arsenal, winning two premier league titles, and two FA Cups. He scored 43 goals and provided 25 assists during his time with the Gunners.
Some of his iconic moments at the club include the hat-trick against Chelsea and the brilliant goal against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
While Wenger went on to sign more players in the winter window during his time at the club, the ex-Monaco insists no one comes close to Kanu.
When asked who was the best player he signed during his time in charge of Arsenal, the 70-year-old chose Kanu ahead of the likes of Aubameyang and Adebayor.
“What a difficult question. Over 20 years, maybe Kanu. In the middle of the season. That had a big impact, and he was a huge player,” he told beIN Sport.
Kanu played at Arsenal for five years before signing for West Brom in 2004.
