Transfer Window: Arsenal’s most expensive signings

Arsenal conducted their business early on in the transfer window this time around, signing Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira in the opening weeks. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko has since joined Mikel Arteta’s squad, linking up with former Manchester City teammate Jesus, who became one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings when he joined.

Here, we take a look at the London side’s five most expensive signings of all time and assess how well their moves worked out.

5. Gabriel Jesus – £46.98 million

Jesus has impressed during his first pre-season with Arsenal

Brazilian striker Jesus joined Arsenal at the start of July and is therefore yet to make his competitive debut for the club. He has looked promising in pre-season, though, having scored four goals in as many games. He also comes with an impressive record in the top flight, having netted 58 times in 159 games in the Premier League for City.

4. Alexandre Lacazette – £47.7 million

Frenchman Lacazette joined the Gunners back in 2017 and spent five seasons with the club before departing earlier this month. The forward scored 71 goals and provided 36 assists in 206 games for the club, but failed to really step up when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in January. The 31-year-old departed having won an FA Cup and Community Shield during his time in the capital.

3. Ben White – £52.65 million

Ben White impressed for both Leeds United and Brighton before joining Arsenal

White joined Arsenal from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer having impressed on the south coast, and the England international made a solid start to his Gunners career. The centre-back made 37 appearances across all competitions for Arteta’s side, and established himself at the heart of their defence alongside Gabriel.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £57.38 million

Aubameyang’s Arsenal career ended badly

Aubameyang arrived in London in January 2018, having scored 141 goals in 212 games for previous club Borussia Dortmund. The Gabonese striker scored 22 goals in his first Premier League season, and also netted twice to give Arsenal victory over Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final. He left in January 2022 on a free transfer after a reported disagreement with Arteta, boasting a record of 92 goals in 163 games for the club.

1. Nicolas Pepe – £72 million

Few would guess that Pepe was Arsenal’s most expensive ever signing from his form or record over the past two seasons. The Ivorian was signed from French side Lille in 2019 but has struggled for game time during his time in the capital. The winger has a respectable combined total of 48 goals and assists in 112 games for Arsenal, but was restricted to just five Premier League starts last season.

With plenty of time still remaining until the window slams shut and Arteta desperate to avoid missing out on the Champions League for another season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Gunners bring in at least one more new face between now and September. Whether or not they add a different name to this list, though, remains to be seen.