Arsenal has reigned as one of the top clubs of the English Premier League (EPL) for decades. Among the most effective strategies that helped them maintain this position is their competitive signing for the most sought-after players in the world.
They’ve recently made another recruitment that can break the bank with Declan Rice on 4th July 2023. Arsenal has a long history of expensive signings, which will likely stop with him. For now, it’s better just to take this moment to look back on the five most expensive recruitment Arsenal has ever made in history:
Declan Rice - 133 million
While more people around the world are learning that the best way to bet is with crypto, Arsenal is finding ways to win the 2022/23 EPL. The conclusion they came to is to secure many top-contender players like West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. He is expected to join the same week his contract was sealed on 4th July after his medical exam.
The offer for Rice originally constituted only £100 million, but it came with a £5 million add-on to secure the deal. They had to make a decisive move because Manchester City is also eyeing him to replace Ilkay Gündogan, who left the club for Barcelona. This is a risk Mikel Arteta can’t take after Pep Guardiola claims their third back-to-back EPL championship.
Nicolas Pepe - 91 million
Before Declan Rice, Nicolas Pepe from Lille was the most expensive signing Arsenal has ever made. His deal was announced on 2nd August 2019 under Unai Emery’s management. He was the top winger of that year, and the club is looking for a strong season after a major disappointment in 2018.
After one season under Unai Emery, Arteta soon took over Arsenal, but they failed to justify the club’s over £200 million total spending spree to this day. Former club managers believe Pepe can’t play with the same freedom he had in France. The winger has been loaned to League 1’s Nice, and Arteta hopes for a permanent settlement.
Kai Havertz - 82 million
Declan Rice isn’t the only expensive player to sign with Arsenal. One of the club’s top five most expensive signings is Kai Havertz from Chelsea. He joined Arsenal a little earlier, on 28th June. Havertz is primarily an attacking midfielder, but he was forced to fill in as the forward on many occasions since 2021.
Arteta hopes to bring in Haverz to join his starting lineup with full intentions of taking the offensive to earn more goals. He can play a huge role in complementing the other strong forwards in Arsenal right now.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 71 million
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now recognized as among the top starters for Chelsea FC, but he was previously Arsenal’s most expensive transfer in 2018. The forward became a strong contender throughout his time with the club. Aubameyang was credited as a major player in the club’s successful 2019/20 Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup).
Aubemayang isn’t satisfied with Arteta as a manager and Arsenal underperforming under his wing. He mutually canceled his contract with the club and took a lower salary deal with FC Barcelona. He took This risk to showcase his skill in La Liga, leading to his returning to the EPL by signing with Chelsea in September 2022.
Ben White - 63 million
All of the above players are notable midfielders and forwards, making Ben White the most expensive defender to ever join Arsenal in 2021. He caught Arteta’s eyes and discussed his interest with the club’s executives before their match with his team, Brighton.
Despite White’s overall inexperience in EPL then, he was seen as one of the top contenders during the summer transfer window. Knowing he would be exceptional, they invested in his 63 million transfer price. In 2023, fans can say it was a wise decision because he gave the forward-oriented team an excellent defender to balance their lineup.
Honorable mentions
There are many more players that Arsenal has signed with, and it’s worth mentioning two of the best players. This includes Granit Xhaka (57 million), who joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach, now a staple member of Arsenal’s starters. Then there is also Gabriel Jesus (44 million) in 2022 from Manchester City, who became the club's rising superstar.
Of course, strategy and team synergy are essential factors in any sport. It’s tough to argue against the efficacy of having the best men in the industry play for the same club.
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