Arsenal’s Most Important Transfers Since Wenger
Since Arsène Wenger’s departure in 2018, Arsenal have undergone a significant rebuild. Unai Emery, and later Mikel Arteta, inherited a squad that was technically talented but lacked cohesion and consistency. The club’s recruitment strategy has shifted from short-term solutions to long-term planning under the guidance of Edu Gaspar and Arteta, with a clear emphasis on youth, character, and tactical fit.
Below is a breakdown of Arsenal’s most important signings since Wenger, judged by their impact on the pitch, influence off it, and contribution to the club’s resurgence.
1. Declan Rice (£105m from West Ham, 2023)
Arsenal shattered their transfer record to sign Rice, and within a season, it was clear why. His presence in midfield brought steel, intelligence, and leadership. Rice’s ability to shield the back line, dictate tempo, and contribute in both boxes has made him central to Arteta’s system. He has already captained the side on occasion and looks set to be a long-term figurehead.
2. William Saliba (£27m from Saint-Étienne, 2019)
Signed under Emery but only integrated into the first team by Arteta, Saliba has transformed Arsenal’s defence. His composure on the ball, positional sense, and physicality helped elevate Arsenal to genuine title contenders. His absence during the final stretch of the 2022–23 season coincided with the side’s drop-off, highlighting his value.
3. Gabriel Magalhães (£27m from Lille, 2020)
Often underappreciated, Gabriel has been a rock alongside Saliba. His aggression, aerial dominance, and resilience have helped Arsenal compete at the highest level. He’s also contributed key goals from set-pieces and become one of the Premier League’s most reliable left-sided centre-backs.
4. Martin Ødegaard (£30m from Real Madrid, 2021)
Initially arriving on loan, Ødegaard made an immediate impression with his vision and technical quality. Since becoming captain, his influence has grown further. He knits together Arsenal’s attack, presses tirelessly, and sets the standard off the pitch. One of the shrewdest pieces of business post-Wenger.
5. Bukayo Saka (Academy graduate)
While not a transfer, Saka’s emergence during the post-Wenger era deserves mention. Tying him down to a long-term deal was as crucial as any signing. His consistency, maturity, and moments of brilliance have made him the face of Arsenal’s modern identity.
6. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m from Sheffield United, 2021)
A controversial signing at the time, Ramsdale silenced doubters with a string of commanding performances. His distribution and reflex saves gave Arsenal a new dimension. Though challenged by David Raya later on, Ramsdale’s arrival helped usher in a more proactive style of play from the back.
7. Ben White (£50m from Brighton, 2021)
Initially earmarked for central defence, White has thrived at right-back. His tactical intelligence, ball progression, and ability to cover multiple positions have been vital to Arteta’s fluid system. Despite the fee raising eyebrows, his consistency has justified the investment.
8. Gabriel Jesus (£45m from Manchester City, 2022)
Brought in for his winning mentality and versatility, Jesus transformed Arsenal’s attacking approach. His movement, pressing, and ability to drop deep allowed others to flourish. Injuries have limited his availability, but when fit, his impact has been significant.
9. Kai Havertz (£65m from Chelsea, 2023)
A polarising figure at Chelsea, Havertz took time to settle at Arsenal but found form in a hybrid midfield-forward role. His aerial threat, intelligent movement, and work rate became essential to Arsenal’s structure, particularly in the second half of the 2023–24 season.
10. Jorginho (£12m from Chelsea, 2023)
A short-term signing with long-term benefits. Jorginho brought experience, tactical awareness, and composure in tight spaces. He provided a valuable rotation option and helped guide younger players, especially in high-pressure fixtures.
11. Leandro Trossard (£21m from Brighton, 2023)
Trossard added depth, flexibility, and an eye for goal. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his contributions were consistent. He scored key goals in both league and European competitions, proving to be a clever mid-season acquisition.
12. Kieran Tierney (£25m from Celtic, 2019)
Injuries have hampered his trajectory, but at his peak, Tierney brought intensity, quality crossing, and leadership. Even when out of the starting XI, he maintained a high professional standard, reflecting the culture shift in the squad.
13. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£17m from Bologna, 2021)
An unspectacular but vital signing. Tomiyasu’s defensive solidity, adaptability, and discipline have made him a reliable squad player. Injuries aside, his presence gives Arsenal tactical flexibility across the back line.
14. Fabio Vieira (£30m from Porto, 2022)
While not yet a consistent starter, Vieira remains a player with potential. His technical ability and vision in the final third hint at a creative role in seasons to come, though he has yet to fully settle.
15. David Raya (Loan from Brentford, 2023)
Introduced as competition for Ramsdale, Raya’s calmness and control with the ball at his feet suited Arteta’s demands. His shot-stopping has been solid, and his role in building from the back helped Arsenal maintain their rhythm in possession-heavy matches.
Takeaway
Arsenal’s recruitment since Wenger has evolved from reactive spending to a more focused, analytical approach. The emphasis has shifted to players with character, adaptability, and long-term value. While not every signing has worked perfectly, the overall trend reflects a club rediscovering its identity and challenging at the top level once again.
