11 Top Goalscorers in Arsenal History [Ranked]

Over nearly 140 years, Arsenal has cemented its place as one of the most successful clubs in English football history. With 13 league titles and a record 14 FA Cup victories, the London-based team has become one of the most globally popular clubs.

This esteemed reputation stems from the incredible contributions of the world-class players who have donned the iconic red and white kit. Though Arsenal hasn't claimed a Premier League title since the legendary 'Invincibles' season of 2004, reminiscing on past triumphs continues to bring fans moments of pride and nostalgia.

While Bukayo Saka leads the current squad in goals, he still has a long way to go to join the ranks of Arsenal's top scorers. Here’s a tribute to the club’s most prolific players, celebrating their achievements from the golden era of the 1930s to the dawn of the Premier League. Let’s take a look back at the glorious history of this North London footballing giant.

11. Dennis Bergkamp – 120 goals

Arsenal career: 1995–2006

It's ironic that the 'Non-flying Dutchman,' known for his fear of air travel, soared effortlessly through debates during his time in the UK. After joining Arsenal from Inter Milan in 1995, Dennis Bergkamp left an indelible mark on the club's history with his exceptional technical prowess and unmatched elegance on the pitch.

Over 11 years and 423 appearances, the Dutch international claimed 10 major titles, including three Premier League crowns, while scoring 120 goals. Among his most memorable strikes was a seemingly routine finish against Newcastle in March 2002, but it was made unforgettable by the dazzling skill that preceded it, as Bergkamp effortlessly outwitted a bewildered Nikos Dabizas.

10. David Jack – 124 goals

Arsenal career: 1928–1934

When Herbert Chapman made a record-breaking offer of £10,647 to Bolton in 1928 to secure the services of David Jack, many viewed it as an extravagant gamble, especially given Jack's age of 29. Critics, including some Arsenal fans, were skeptical, questioning whether the striker could justify the hefty price tag.

However, Jack swiftly silenced his doubters, becoming a central figure in Arsenal’s dominance throughout the 1930s. Scoring 124 goals in 208 appearances, the English striker helped lead the London club to its first major triumphs—beginning with the FA Cup in 1930, followed by the English Championship the next year. Jack continued his success, winning two more league titles in 1933 and 1934.

9. Joe Hulme – 125 goals

Arsenal career: 1926–1938

FA Cup Final, Wembley Stadium, London, 25th April 1936, Arsenal 1 v Sheffield United 0, Alex James is pictured carrying the Cup, with Eddie Hapgood carrying the plinth, as Joe Hulme looks on with also the Arsenal manager George Allison (grey hat). pic.twitter.com/A4b3xeq1Ez

— Popperfoto (@popperfoto) May 14, 2024

Another standout from Arsenal’s brilliant 1930s squad, Joe Hulme boasts an exceptional record. In between playing professional cricket, Hulme helped the Gunners secure four First Division titles (1931, 1933, 1934, 1935), two FA Cups (1930, 1936), and two FA Charity Shields (1930, 1931).

As a winger, Hulme also found the back of the net 125 times in 374 appearances for the legendary London club. Over his 12 years at Arsenal, he consistently proved that recruiting him from Blackburn Rovers was a masterstroke. The lasting legacy he left at the club stands as a testament to his influence on its early successes.

8. Robin van Persie – 132 goals

Arsenal career: 2004–2012

Although Robin van Persie is now considered one of Arsenal’s greatest strikers, and one of the Premier League’s finest, his journey with the Gunners was far from straightforward. Despite his undeniable talent and unique abilities, the Dutchman faced numerous challenges, including recurring injuries, and had to overcome personal battles to cement his place among the elite of British football.

Ultimately, van Persie succeeded, scoring 132 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal. However, despite his frequent declarations of loyalty to the Gunners, his 2012 move to Manchester United left a lasting sense of disappointment and betrayal among Arsenal fans.

7. Doug Lishman – 137 goals

Arsenal career: 1948–1956

Doug Lishman of Arsenal pic.twitter.com/XNaTyk6CzT

— The League Magazine (@Theleaguemag) August 23, 2015

Doug Lishman’s goalscoring prowess is evident from his remarkable achievement of being Arsenal’s top scorer for five consecutive seasons between 1951 and 1955. Originally brought in to fill the gap left by Reg Lewis’s frequent injuries, Lishman himself spent a fair amount of time on the treatment table.

Despite these setbacks, the resolute forward scored 22 goals during the 1952/53 season, leading Arsenal to their seventh English league title. This triumph marked the first major honor of his career, followed by an FA Charity Shield win in the same year.

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6. Jimmy Brain – 139 goals

Arsenal career: 1923–1931

Happy heavenly birthday to Jimmy Brain, born on this day in 1900, a hugely prolific goalscorer for The #Arsenal between 1923-31.

Brain was the first Gunner to hit the milestone of 100 goals (139 in total) and still holds the record of 12 hat-tricks along with Jack Lambert. pic.twitter.com/AfTOsDBvwv

—  (@hente_afsc) September 11, 2024

Jimmy Brain, Arsenal’s first player to reach the symbolic 100-goal mark, is a true legend of the club. Renowned for his exceptional goalscoring ability, Brain had to wait until the 1931 season—his final year with the Gunners—to secure his first major trophy, having missed out on the FA Cup victory the previous year.

As Arsenal's top scorer for four consecutive seasons, Brain concluded his time at Highbury with 139 goals, including a record 12 hat-tricks in 232 appearances. After leaving Arsenal, he played for Tottenham and Swansea, before finishing his career with a final stint at Bristol City.

5. Ted Drake – 139 goals

Arsenal career: 1934–1945

Ted Drake achieved a remarkable feat that no Arsenal player has matched before or since: scoring 100 goals in just 108 games. Holding records for the most goals in a single season (44 in 1934/35) and the most league goals in a single season (42 in 1934/35), he is also the only player in Arsenal's history to score seven goals in a single match, a record set against Aston Villa on December 14, 1935.

These extraordinary accomplishments remain significant in English football today, cementing Drake’s place as one of the 32 Arsenal legends honored on the mural around the Emirates Stadium.

4. John Radford – 149 goals

Arsenal career: 1964–1976

On January 2, 1965, John Radford set a record as the youngest player in Arsenal’s history to score a hat-trick, achieving this feat at just 17 years and 315 days old—a record he still holds. Over his 481 appearances for the Gunners, the former striker and two-time England international played a crucial role in their successes, including winning the Fairs Cup in 1970 and securing the league and cup double the following year. Although he may not be the most renowned name in football history, Radford was a pivotal figure for Arsenal, netting 149 goals throughout his career with the club.

3. Cliff Bastin – 178 goals

Arsenal career: 1929–1947

Remembering Arsenal legend, Cliff Bastin, who sadly passed away 32 years ago today. RIP Cliff  pic.twitter.com/ajupAcpbwL

— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) December 4, 2023

Describing himself as "phlegmatic by temperament," Cliff Bastin was nonetheless a player capable of igniting the crowd with his performances. As Arsenal’s all-time top scorer from 1939 to 1997, he scored an impressive 178 goals, including a record 26 in the FA Cup.

Bastin's total might have been even higher had the Second World War not disrupted his career and prevented him from fully regaining his peak form. Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2009, he won 12 trophies with Arsenal, including five English league titles and the FA Cup twice, his favorite competition.

2. Ian Wright – 185 goals

Arsenal career: 1991–1998

After joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace in 1991, Ian Wright rapidly made a name for himself as one of the top strikers in the UK. He consistently scored at least 15 goals in each of his first six seasons with the Gunners. A key figure in their 1998 title-winning campaign, Wright made 288 appearances for Arsenal and netted 185 goals.

Notably, he is the first and only Arsenal player to score in 12 consecutive matches, a streak that lasted from September to November 1994. He also holds the record for the most League Cup goals scored by a club player, with 29.

1. Thierry Henry – 228 goals

Arsenal career: 1999–2007, 2012

Regarded as the greatest player in Arsenal’s history, Thierry Henry remains a legendary figure whose impact endures even among those who never witnessed him play. His stature at the club is so profound that he is one of only six individuals honored with a statue at the Emirates Stadium.

While his tally of 228 goals in 377 appearances might not rival the astronomical numbers of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Henry's legacy transcends mere statistics. His connection to Arsenal is deeply ingrained; Thierry Henry embodies the spirit of Arsenal as much as Arsenal embodies Thierry Henry.