Mikel Arteta continues spending spree on defenders, but how have his defensive signings fared over the years? Know More

Arsenal will look to end their Premier League title drought in the upcoming season as they gear up for another big season under manager Mikel Arteta. Before the season starts, the Arsenal hierarchy has once again backed Arteta in the transfer market with the latest acquisition being Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori who will join the Gunners from Bologna. With this Arteta has signed an entire team of defenders during his tenure as the boss also splashing £240 million.

How have Arsenal defenders fared under Arteta?

During his tenure as boss since December 2019, Arteta has signed 11 defenders including the likes of William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and others. While the majority of the signings have been hit, some have not justified their price tag or are yet to convince the management. The latter category includes Kieran Tierney who spent last season on loan at Spanish side Real Sociedad while Oleksandr Zinchenko is yet to nail down as a permanent fixture in the side.

Currently, Arteta has been praised for the signings of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes who have helped the Gunners return to the Champions League while also helping the side mount a Premier League title challenge. With 29 goals conceded in the Premier League last term, they were the best defensive side in the division. They conceded 14 goals fewer than they had before the last term and much credit goes to Arteta’s signings.

Signings made by Arsenal under Mikel Arteta

Pablo Mari – £4million

Cedric Soares – Free

Gabriel Magalhaes – £27m

Nuno Tavares – £7m

Ben White – £50m

Takehiro Tomiyasu – £20m

Auston Trusty – £1.5m

Oleksandr Zinchenko – £32m

Few players on the list remain off the radar having failed to make an impact and have already left or could leave in the summer. This includes Cedric Soares while Nuno Tavares is still trying to make an impact at the club.

The signings of Tomiyasu and White have been a success story so for the Gunners but that has not converted into a trophy. The last time Arsenal won a trophy was in 2020 when they walked away with the FA Cup title. Since then they have twice finished runners-up in the Premier League but have found it hard to gather pace in the final stretch.

But with an improved defence, they can challenge the mighty Manchester City to win the Premier League and end the 20-year drought.

Also Read: Arsenal looking to sign Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich: Reports