Amaury Bischoff was one of Arsene Wenger's most left-field signings.
The manager admitted he was "taking a gamble" when he drafted the French-born Portugal Under-21 international into his squad in the summer of 2008, largely because Bischoff was still working his way back to fitness after two groin operations.
The versatile midfielder did make a full recovery soon after joining the Gunners and showed why Wenger had taken that chance - he was technically adept and could do a job anywhere across midfield or behind the main striker.
He scored once in 10 appearances for the Reserves but Bischoff struggled to force his way into the Arsenal first team.
He made his senior debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup win over Wigan in November 2008 and came off the bench twice more - against Burnley in the same competition and Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
That elusive first Premier League appearance finally arrived at Portsmouth on May 2, 2009 when Bischoff replaced Theo Walcott in the second half.
But that was as good as it got for him. Bischoff left Arsenal when his contract expired a month later.
WHAT THE FANS SAID:
I remember watching him play for Arsenal Reserves and score a quality goal against Fulham and then not long after I was at Emirates Stadium for his debut in the Carling Cup against Wigan. He looked lively but unfortunately his Arsenal career was to be short-lived.
Tom Crocker, Poole
