Since taking over in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has overseen a major squad overhaul at Arsenal, bringing in several key players who now form the spine of one of the most competitive teams in the Premier League.
While some have become undroppable, others haven’t made the impact expected. Here’s a ranking of every Arsenal signing under Arteta — from the least successful to the best — based on performance, impact, consistency, and value for money.
16. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus signed for Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022 for a fee of around £45 million. The Brazilian forward was brought in to lead the line with his movement, pressing, and versatility across the front three, becoming a key figure in Arteta’s attacking system.
15. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2021 for a reported fee of around £17 million. He was signed as a versatile defender capable of playing both right-back and center-back.
14. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko moved from Manchester City in July 2022 for a fee in the region of £30 million. He was brought in to add technical quality and versatility to the left-back position.
13. Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori arrived from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for approximately £42 million. The Italian defender was signed after impressing in Serie A with his ball-carrying ability and progressive play.
12. Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale was signed from Sheffield United in August 2021 for an initial £24 million, rising to £30 million with add-ons. Initially questioned, he quickly displaced Bernd Leno as the first-choice goalkeeper.
11. Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior joined from Spezia in January 2023 for a reported £21 million fee. The Polish international was brought in as a left-footed centre-back option to add depth to the backline.
10. Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz made the switch from Chelsea in June 2023 in a high-profile move worth £65 million. Arsenal envisioned him as a versatile midfielder capable of playing various attacking roles.
9. Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be in the region of £38 million. The Spanish midfielder was signed to add experience and control in midfield.
8. Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber arrived from Ajax in July 2023 for a fee of around £34 million. Arsenal signed the Dutch defender for his composure on the ball and ability to play as an inverted full-back.
7. Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey was signed from Atlético Madrid on deadline day in October 2020 after Arsenal triggered his £45 million release clause. He was brought in to strengthen the midfield with his power and ball-winning skills.
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6. Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 for an initial £21 million. The Belgian forward was brought in as a versatile attacking option with Premier League experience.
5. Ben White
Ben White signed from Brighton in July 2021 for a fee of £50 million. Arteta brought him in to modernize the backline with his passing range and ability to carry the ball out from defense.
4. David Raya
David Raya initially joined on loan from Brentford in the summer of 2023, with a permanent deal worth £27 million activated in 2024. Arteta wanted a goalkeeper comfortable with distribution under pressure.
3. Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard arrived permanently from Real Madrid in August 2021 for around £30 million, after impressing during a loan spell the season before. He quickly became captain and a creative fulcrum.
2. Declan Rice
Declan Rice moved from West Ham United in July 2023 for a British-record £105 million. He was signed as the club’s midfield anchor, bringing leadership, energy, and elite-level consistency.
1. Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel Magalhães joined Arsenal from Lille in September 2020 for a fee of £27 million. The Brazilian centre-back has become a mainstay in the defense, he’s one of the best ball playing defender in the world combining physicality, aerial dominance, and composure.
