Over €1 billion spent
Rice, Gyökeres & Ødegaard feature: Mikel Arteta’s top 10 Arsenal signings ranked
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Mikel Arteta firmly cemented his reputation as one of the best coaches in the world by leading Arsenal to the English Premier League title last season, ending a 22-year drought. Since replacing Unai Emery, Arteta has transformed the Gunners’ fortunes and reestablished their reputation as one of the biggest clubs in Europe. After winning the FA Cup in his maiden season, Arteta went six years without silverware and this fact was routinely highlighted by his detractors to question his impact at Arsenal.
Staff
M. Arteta
Age: 44
The Spaniard, however, silenced his critics by winning the Premier League and Arsenal will be overwhelming favourites to retain their title next season. Moreover, it was almost a truly special season for Arsenal as they reached the Champions League final before losing to PSG on penalties. The Gunners have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, so far but a major attacking arrival is anticipated. Therefore, we’ve decided to reflect on Arteta’s transfer record in North London and rank his top ten signings as Arsenal manager.
Mikel Arteta’s top ten signings as Arsenal manager
1. Declan Rice – €117m
Okay, Rice cost €117m to become the second most expensive British player ever but it’s still proven value for money. The English international transformed Arsenal’s midfield and was the missing piece of the jigsaw. At his best, Rice is the driving force being their success and he offers incredible athleticism and durability. Although he isn’t the club captain, Rice is very much the leader within the group and he’s been exceptional since joining from West Ham.
2. Gabriel – €26m
Gabriel is unquestionably Arteta’s best value for money signing and he’s unfortunate to miss out on top spot. The Brazilian international is so important to Arsenal at both ends of the pitch and he’s developed into one of the best centre-backs in the world. Arsenal’s defensive excellence has been the cornerstone to their success with Gabriel’s partnership with William Saliba the best in the world.
3. David Raya – €32m
It’s almost unthinkable that Raya remains severely underrated and would be much lower in many people’s lists when compiling Arteta’s best signings. So many leading clubs have endured difficulties in acquiring a reliable goalkeeper but the Gunners achieved this with Raya for a bargain price. The Spaniard has won the Premier League golden gloves in three consecutive seasons and his distribution is also elite.
4. Martin Ødegaard – €35m
Ødegaard revived his career under Arteta after struggling at Real Madrid and he was installed as permanent captain under the Spaniard. The Norwegian is such an intelligent footballer and arrived for a bargain €35m fee. Ødegaard is such a technically accomplished player and although his form has plummeted across the last 18 months, he was the man to lift the Premier League trophy.
5. Ben White – €59m
Arsenal’s acquisition of White for nearly €60m in 2021 was ridiculed in some quarters but he’s been a shrewd signing. The Englishman’s ability in possession made him perfect to invert from right-back and can also be utilised in his preferred centre-back role. White is Arteta’s sixth most used outfield player and he’s been a very good signing, despite no longer being a regular starter.
6. Leandro Trossard – €24m
Another bargain signing, Trossard scored so many important goals for Arteta. Arsenal also managed to recoup the majority of their investment when he was sold to Besiktas this summer. 70 goal contributions was an excellent return for the Belgian, especially as he was often a substitute and his last-minute winning goal against West Ham last season effectively won the title.
7. Jurriën Timber – €40m
Timber suffered a serious injury after joining Arsenal but he’s firmly rediscovered his best form and must be viewed as one of the best right-backs in the world. The biggest compliment you can pay the Dutch international is that you really notice when he isn’t playing.
8. Kai Havertz – €75m
Havertz is hugely popular amongst the Arsenal supporters, despite his record of 36 goals in 111 hardly setting the world alight. The German international is a supremely talented footballer but he’s also suffered injury problems and his unreliability is a major factor behind his position on this list.
9. Viktor Gyökeres – €67m
The jury remains firmly out on Gyøkeres and Arsenal can unquestionably upgrade in the centre-forward position. But the Swedish international’s return of 21 goals was decent and he played a significant role in the title win.
10. Riccardo Calafiori – €44m
Calafiori has justified Arsenal’s €44m outlay and he was first-choice left-back for large periods last season. The Italian international is an excellent defender and can also be deployed at centre-back. Could climb the list if he remains at Arsenal for the next few years.
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