Arsenal Football Club has a long-standing tradition of investing in marquee signings to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level. Over the years, the Gunners have broken their transfer record multiple times to secure top-quality players, showcasing their ambition to compete at the highest level.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive signings in Arsenal’s history, delving into the players, their transfer fees, and the impact they had on the club.
Top 10 Most Expensive signings for Arsenal
10. Alexis Sanchez – $38.3 Million [from Barcelona, 2015]
The signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona in 2014 was a game-changer for Arsenal. The dynamic Chilean forward brought a relentless work ethic, versatility, and an eye for goal to the team.
Sanchez’s explosive playing style and goal-scoring prowess made him a standout player during his time at the club, earning him a place among Arsenal’s fan favourites. Till this date he remains one of the most expensive signings for Arsenal.
9. Granit Xhaka – $40.5 Million [from Monchengladbach, 2016]
Swiss international Granit Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach. Xhaka’s imposing presence in midfield, passing range, and leadership qualities made him an attractive prospect for the Gunners.
Although he faced criticism for disciplinary issues and inconsistency, Xhaka has become a regular presence in the Arsenal midfield, providing stability and contributing to the team’s build-up play.
8. Mesut Ozil – $42.3 Million [from Real Madrid, 2013]
One of Arsenal’s most celebrated signings, Mesut Ozil arrived at the club from Real Madrid in 2013. The German playmaker’s arrival sent shockwaves through the footballing world, marking a turning point for the Gunners.
Ozil’s exceptional vision, creativity, and sublime passing skills elevated Arsenal’s attacking play to new heights. During his prime years, he was a pivotal figure in the team, contributing assists and goals. However, his form declined in recent seasons, and he ultimately fell out of favor at the club. Yet, he remains one of the all time most expensive signings for Arsenal that paid off big time.
6. Gabriel Jesus – $45 Million [from Manchester City, 2022]
Jesus joined Arsenal on a long-term contract for a fee of £47 million and he is expected to play a crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side in the centre-forward position. Gabriel Jesus showcased his abilities at Manchester City, displaying his pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring prowess.
A move to Arsenal did indeed provide him with more regular playing time and a chance to become at main point of the attack. Jesus has already shown enough to suggest he has a key role to play in Arteta’s project moving forward with the UCL next season.
7. Thomas Partey – $45 Million [from Atletico Madrid, 2020]
In October 2020, Arsenal secured the services of talented Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid. Known for his physicality, ball-winning ability, and passing range, Partey adds a robust presence to the Gunners’ midfield. His acquisition was seen as significant for Arsenal, addressing a long-standing need for a dominant midfield enforcer. Despite struggling with injuries, he has showcased his talent and potential, offering hope for a brighter future in the heart of Arsenal’s team.
5. Alexandre Lacazette – $47.7 Million [from Lyon, 2017]
Arsenal broke their transfer record once again in 2017 to acquire French striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. Lacazette’s lethal finishing ability, intelligent movement, and work rate made him a valuable addition to the Gunners’ attacking line. Although he has faced periods of inconsistency, Lacazette has contributed significantly to the team’s goalscoring output, forming a formidable partnership with Aubameyang.
4. Ben White – $50 Million [from Brighton, 2021]
White’s fee raised a lot of eyebrows at the beginning of the year, but Mikel Arteta changed the role of the defender by starting him most of the time as a fullback and the results were just as successful as he could have hoped. Arteta did indeed start White in 36/38 of Arsenal’s Premier League games last season, with the 25-year-old assisting five goals from his advanced role at right back. He impressed with his composure on the ball, his ability to carry the ball forward from defence, and his solid defending.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – $57.4 Million [from Dortmund, 2018]
One of Arsenal’s most influential signings in recent years, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the club in January 2018 from Borussia Dortmund. The Gabonese striker’s blistering pace, clinical finishing, and leadership qualities have made him a fan favourite. Aubameyang’s impact has been undeniable, contributing crucial goals and leading the Gunners to success in the FA Cup and Community Shield, including scoring the winning goal in the cup final.
2. Kai Havertz – $65 Million [from Chelsea, 2023]
Arsenal’s pursuit of Havertz indicated their ambition to bolster their midfield and add more creativity to their attacking play given that they qualified for the Champions League this season. With this signing, the German has become one of the most expensive signing for Arsenal in 2023.
Havertz, considered one of the brightest young talents in European football, possesses exceptional technical skills, versatility, and an eye for goal.
1. Nicolas Pepe – $72 Million [from Lille, 2019]
In the summer of 2019, Arsenal made a significant statement of intent by shattering their transfer record to sign Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe from Lille. The $72 million fee reflected the club’s belief in his immense talent and potential.
The Ivorian winger possessed electrifying pace and an eye for goal, which made him an exciting prospect. Pepe arrived with high expectations but has experienced a mixture of highs and lows in terms of performance, leaving fans eager to see him reach his full potential in an Arsenal shirt.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s top 10 most expensive signings represent the club’s ambition to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for titles. While some players lived up to the expectations set by their hefty transfer fees, others faced challenges and struggled to make a lasting impact.
Nevertheless, these signings showcased Arsenal’s commitment to investing in talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level. As the club continues its journey, new signings will inevitably join the ranks, aiming to make their mark in Arsenal’s illustrious history.
FAQ
Who is Arsenal’s most expensive signing?
Nicolas Pepe for $72 Million from Lille, in 2019 is the most expensive signing in the history of Arsenal.
Who is Arsenal’s most expensive player in 2023?
Kai Havertz for $65 Million from Chelsea is is Arsenal’s most expensive player in 2023.
