Arsenal Away Shirt Nike 1997-99 Long Sleeved - Vintage

Arsenal 1997-99 Nike Away Long Sleeve — The Double-Winning Shirt

The 1997-98 season, Highbury ablaze, and Arsenal clinching the Premier League title along with the FA Cup — Wenger's famous Double. This Nike long-sleeve away shirt sponsored by JVC is precisely what Bergkamp, Vieira, and Overmars wore to pen one of the most beautiful chapters in Gunners history.

Shirt Details

Season: 1997-1999
Club: Arsenal FC
Type: Away
Manufacturer: Nike
Sponsor: JVC
Condition: 9/10

What this shirt represents

In 1997-98, Arsène Wenger was revolutionising English football. Arriving in the autumn of 1996, the Alsatian manager imposed a new philosophy — diet, training, fluid play — and the results followed at lightning speed. The club underwent a total transformation, shifting from a physical and traditional Arsenal to a technical, flowing, almost continental team. This vintage Nike away shirt perfectly captures that era.

The squad was built to win. Patrick Vieira dominated opposing midfields with his athletic presence, Dennis Bergkamp delighted with touches of genius that are still watched on repeat on YouTube, Marc Overmars scorched defences on his left wing, and young Nicolas Anelka tormented Premier League centre-backs. These aren't made-up names; these are the players who precisely wore this shirt model on the pitch.

Moments etched into this shirt

The 1997-98 Premier League Title
Arsenal won the English championship in the 1997-98 season, dominating the second half of the season in an almost irresistible manner. It was Wenger's first Premier League title, validating everything the manager had been trying to build since his arrival.

The Historic Double — Premier League and FA Cup
In the same season, Arsenal also won the FA Cup, achieving a Double that the club hadn't managed since 1971. A colossal performance that placed this generation in the Gunners' pantheon.

The Rise of a Golden Generation
This shirt also dates from the second season, 1998-99, when Arsenal finished as Premier League runners-up, still in contention, still as formidable. The attacking trio of Bergkamp, Anelka, and Overmars was one of Europe's most exciting at the time — and this Nike away shirt accompanied them on every pitch in England and Europe.

Authentic vs. Replica

A vintage authentic shirt is not a reproduction sold in a souvenir shop. It's a piece produced at the time, intended either for players or for the general public in a version as close as possible to what was worn on the field. The labels, stitching, heat-pressed or embroidered Nike flocking from that era — everything is there, everything is original. We're talking about an item that is between 25 and 27 years old, carrying the soul of an entire season.

This one boasts a 9/10 condition, which is frankly remarkable for a late 90s Arsenal collector's shirt. In this condition, there's no visible discolouration, no snags, no peeling sponsors. It's an example that has been carefully preserved, and it shows — or rather, you can feel it when you hold it.

Vintage Size Guide

Vintage Nike sizes from the 90s do not correspond to current standards. A 1997 Medium fits significantly tighter than a modern Medium — cuts were more fitted, less oversized, and materials don't stretch like modern textiles. If you currently wear an L or M, it's best to double-check before making a decision.

Practical advice: take a shirt you wear regularly, lay it flat, and measure the chest width (armpit to armpit) as well as the total length. Compare these with the measurements provided in the details. For a long-sleeve shirt, also check the sleeve length if you are tall. Two minutes of measuring can save a lot of regret.

Why have it in your collection

The Arsenal 1997-99 Nike away shirt is one of the most sought-after pieces from the pre-Invincibles era. It's the shirt of the Double, of Wenger's great transformation, of a generation that changed Arsenal forever. The long-sleeve version is even rarer than the short-sleeve — it was produced in smaller quantities and mainly worn during autumn and winter matches, which explains why so few remain in good condition on the market. A rare vintage Premier League shirt from this season is a striking piece for any collector's display.

In 9/10 condition, there really aren't many floating around in this state. Most examples you come across on vintage resale platforms are faded, with peeling sponsors or tired stitching. Here, we're talking about an exceptional example — one that will continue to appreciate in value over the years, especially with the growing popularity of vintage football collectibles in France and Europe.

To learn more

• Arsenal - Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive - Kit History
• Premier League - Official Site
• UEFA - European Football

If you're looking for a piece of Arsenal's golden age — the one before the Invincibles, the one that changed everything — this is the shirt. Grab it before it's gone.