Ranking Arsenal’s 10 Most Expensive Signings

Arsenal are traditionally one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, with their peak years of glory coming under the long-serving Arsene Wenger. However, since the Frenchman departed in 2018, things have not gone swimmingly for the Gunners, who faced a few years of mediocrity before bouncing back under Mikel Arteta recently.

The key to a turnaround in their fortunes has been the Gunner’s recruitment policy which has helped the club bring in some of the most cohesive players in their history. It is pretty straightforward to assume that the Londoners are heading towards success in some shape or form with their current squad, but let’s take a look at how they assembled it.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings.

10. Jurrien Timber | £40 million

Arsenal signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax in July 2023 with a vision of covering their left back as well as left center-back spots. However, things have not gone as planned in terms of his participation as Timber suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury in just his second game for the club.

The Dutchman had an impressive stint with the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and showed promising signs in his last days at Ajax. Now, with a full preseason behind him this summer, he will look to challenge for a starting spot with the Gunners.

9. Mesut Özil | £42.5 million

Özil’s arrival from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day in 2013 sent a positive shockwave across the fanbase, creating the greatest buzz around a player’s arrival ever seen at the club. The German magician made an instant impact as he provided an assist in his first game for the club.

The German playmaker made 254 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 44 goals and providing 75 assists. He also scored one of the most iconic UEFA Champions League goals in the club’s history against Ludogorets as he embarrassed multiple opponents before scoring. Mesut won four FA Cups and one FA Community Shield with the club, justifying his spot among the most expensive Arsenal signings.

8. Thomas Partey | £45 million

The Ghanaian midfielder joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020 after the Gunners triggered his release clause. After an entire summer of speculation, the North Londoners finally triggered his release clause on deadline day and acquired their player to make one of Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings.

Despite facing frequent injuries, Partey’s impact in Arsenal’s midfield is evident to see when he plays as he pulls the strings from the middle of the park. He has made 115 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Also Read: Premier League Clubs with the Largest Transfer Budget for Summer Transfer Window 2024

7. Gabriel Jesus | £45 million

Jesus already had one foot out of the door at the Etihad Stadium as he had just one year left on his deal before he switched to Arsenal. Despite that, the Gunners shelled out a huge fee to land their target.

The 27-year-old has made 69 appearances for Arsenal and has bagged 19 goals and 15 assists so far. A lot is still expected from the Brazilian as he is yet to fully justify his spot among Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings.

6. Alexandre Lacazette | £46.5 million

Arsenal signed the Frenchman from Lyon following his impressive performances for them. Lacazette had an impressive 2016/17 season with the French club, netting 37 goals and providing five assists in 45 appearances, which earned him a move that summer.

However, Lacazette was unable to replicate his form with Lyon while with the Gunners as injuries and bad spells of form derailed his progress multiple times. He made 206 appearances for the club, scoring 71 goals and also providing 33 assists. The Frenchman also won an FA Cup and FA Community Shield with the Gunners.

5. Benjamin White | £50 million

Many pundits and fans raised their eyebrows when Arsenal splashed a cool £50 million on Brighton & Hove Albion to sign White in 2021. However, not only has the player justified that price tag since, he has arguably made it look like somewhat of a bargain.

The Englisman’s ability to play both as a central defender as well as a right back has helped Arsenal become more versatile and unpredictable while attacking. White has made 134 appearances for the Gunners, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists so far.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Premier League Strikers of All-time

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | £56 million

In a move previously unheard of, Arsenal broke their transfer record just six months after signing Lacazette as they onboarded Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. The Gabonese marksman had notched 141 goals and 36 assists in 213 games for the Black & Yellow and was immediately picked up by the Gunners when they had the chance.

Aubameyang had a rather mixed career at the Emirates Stadium as the fans respected him but he would not change his ways, resulting in being banished from the first team. He made 163 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 92 goals and providing 21 assists. He won an FA Cup and Community Shield with the Gunners.

3. Kai Havertz | £65 million

The Gunners’ decision to make a big-money move for a striker who had provided a return of 14 goals in 47 games in 2021/22 and nine goals in 47 games the following season at Chelsea raised several questions. However, the German has come good since then and has become a key part of Arteta’s team.

Last season, Havertz made 51 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists. He will look to return ready and rejuvenated for the new season after the summer break.

2. Nicolas Pépé | £72 million

Arguably one of the most disappointing club-record transfers in recent Premier League history, Pépé failed to live up to the hype of him being among Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings. The Ivorian had an incredible 2018/19 season with Lille, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists in 41 games. However, his decline after moving to north London was unforeseen.

Pépé made 112 appearances for the Gunners, scoring just 27 goals and providing 21 assists during his time there. He is currently without a club, having last represented Trabzonspor.

1. Declan Rice | £105 million

Alongside William Saliba, Rice’s move is arguably the most transformative change in midfield the club has seen in decades. An energetic midfielder who can read the game fairly well, Rice added some much-needed solidity to the current Arsenal side.

So far, he has made 51 appearances for the Gunners, scored seven goals and provided 10 assists across competitions. Rice has helped Arsenal compete with the likes of Manchester City for the Premier League title and hence has justified his place in the top spot on Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the most valuable player at Arsenal?

A. Bukayo Saka is the most valuable Arsenal player, valued at £118 million currently.

Q. How much has Arsenal spent on transfers?

A. Since 2020, the Gunners have spent more than £500 million.

Also Read: Ranking the 10 best defenders in the Premier League