Arsenal has a rich history of player transfers, with the club often willing to invest heavily in talent to bolster their squad. Over the years, the Gunners have made some significant signings that have paid off handsomely, while others have left fans scratching their heads. In this article, we will explore some of Arsenal’s most expensive transfers, evaluating whether they have been hits or misses.
HITS: TRANSFERS THAT PAID OFF
One of the standout signings in Arsenal’s recent history is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Arriving from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 for a reported fee of around £56 million, Aubameyang quickly established himself as a fan favorite. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in crucial moments helped Arsenal secure the FA Cup in 2020, where he scored twice in the final against Chelsea. His goal-scoring prowess has made him one of the most prolific forwards in the Premier League, and he remains a key figure in the squad.
Another successful transfer is that of Nicolas Pépé, who joined from Lille for a club-record fee of £72 million in 2019. While his consistency has been questioned at times, Pépé has shown flashes of brilliance, including a stunning performance in the 2020 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, where he scored a crucial goal. His ability to take on defenders and create chances has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attacking play, making him a valuable asset despite some ups and downs.
Gabriel Jesus, signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for around £45 million, has also made a significant impact. His work rate, technical ability, and experience have been instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence in the Premier League. Jesus’s versatility allows him to play in various attacking roles, and his leadership qualities have been evident both on and off the pitch. His contributions have helped Arsenal challenge for top honors, making him a worthwhile investment.
MISSES: TRANSFERS THAT FAILED TO DELIVER
On the flip side, Arsenal has had its fair share of expensive flops. One of the most notable is Nicolas Pépé, who, despite his flashes of brilliance, has struggled with consistency and has often been criticized for his decision-making in the final third. While he has shown moments of magic, his overall impact has not matched the hefty price tag, leading many to question whether he was worth the investment.
Another high-profile miss is the signing of Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco. Arsenal reportedly had a bid of around £92 million rejected in 2017, but they eventually signed him in 2021 for a much lower fee. However, Lemar has failed to replicate his form from his time in Ligue 1, struggling to make a significant impact in the Premier League. His inability to adapt to the physicality and pace of English football has left fans disappointed, and he has often found himself on the fringes of the squad.
Lastly, the acquisition of Andrey Arshavin in 2009 for £15 million was initially seen as a coup, especially after his stunning performance at Euro 2008. However, while he had moments of brilliance, including a memorable four-goal haul against Liverpool, his overall contribution was inconsistent. Arshavin’s lack of work rate and commitment at times led to frustration among fans and ultimately tarnished his legacy at the club.
In summary, Arsenal’s transfer history is a mixed bag of hits and misses. While the Gunners have made some astute signings that have significantly contributed to the team’s success, they have also experienced their share of costly mistakes. As the club continues to navigate the transfer market, fans will be hoping for more hits than misses in the future.