Ranking the Top 16 Best Signings by Arteta at Arsenal (2025)

Since taking over in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has overseen a significant roster revamp at Arsenal, bringing in numerous key players who now form the backbone of one of the Premier League’s most competitive sides.

While some have become undroppable, others have not had the desired consequence. Here’s a ranking of Arteta’s Arsenal signings, from least successful to best, based on performance, impact, consistency, and value for money.

16. Gabriel Jesus.

Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022 for a sum of about £45 million. The Brazilian forward was brought in to lead the line due to his movement, pressing, and versatility across the front three, and he quickly became an important part of Arteta’s attacking strategy.

15. Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal signed Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in August 2021 for a reported sum of about £17 million. He was signed as a versatile defender who can play both right and centre back.

14. Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Oleksandr Zinchenko left Manchester City in July 2022 for a sum in the region of £30 million. He was brought in to improve technical quality and versatility at the left back position.

13. Ricardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori came from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for around £42 million. The Italian defender was signed after excelling in Serie A with his ball-carrying abilities and forward thinking.

12. Aaron Ramsdale.

Aaron Ramsdale was signed from Sheffield United in August 2021 for an initial fee of £24 million, which rose to £30 million with add-ons. Initially questioned, he rapidly dethroned Bernd Leno as the first choice custodian.

11. Jakub Kiwior.

Jakub Kiwior arrived from Spezia in January 2023 for a reported fee of £21 million. The Polish international was brought in as a left-footed centre-back to offer depth to the backline.

10. Kai Havertz.

Kai Havertz left Chelsea in June 2023 in a high-profile £65 million transfer. Arsenal envisioned him as a dynamic midfielder capable of performing a variety of offensive roles.

9. Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 for a fee reported to be around £38 million. The Spanish midfielder was hired to provide experience and control in the midfield.

8) Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber joined from Ajax in July 2023 for a cost of approximately £34 million. Arsenal signed the Dutch defender for his ball control 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 activated his £45 million release clause. He was brought in to help reinforce the midfield with his power and ball-winning abilities.

READ ALSO: THE BEST DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER IN THE WORLD.

6) Leandro Trossard

Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton in January 2023 for an initial fee of £21 million. The Belgian forward was recruited as a diverse attacking option with Premier League experience.

5) Ben White

Ben White signed from Brighton in July 2021 for £50 million. Arteta brought him in to modernise the backfield with his passing range and ability to carry the ball out of defence.