5 min read Transfers

Arsenal's top 5 most expensive signings of all time [ranked]

Arsenal's top 5 record signings of all time, from Havertz to Pepe
Arsenal's top 5 record signings of all time, from Havertz to Pepe

Arsenal Football Club, based in North London, is one of England’s most historic and illustrious football clubs. Established in 1886, the Gunners have a rich history marked by a plethora of domestic success. 

Arsenal’s transfer strategy has evolved over the years, reflecting their ambition to compete at the highest possible level. Since the arrival of Mikel Arteta and the promotion of Edu to Sporting Director, the Gunners have made several high-profile acquisitions to bolster and add depth to their squad. 

As Arsenal Football Club look towards another successful transfer window, the fans have revived faith that decisions made at the top translate into success on the pitch. 

Here is a definitive list of Arsenal's top five record signings:

5. Benjamin White 

Position: Right-back

Nationality: England

From: Brighton and Hove Albion (England)

Season: 2021/22

Transfer Fee: £50 million (€59 million)

Benjamin White, more commonly known as Ben White, joined Arsenal for a reported £50 million.

White, played as a right-sided-centre-back in a back 5 for Brighton, but his ball-playing and defensive capabilities as well as his versatility made him the perfect candidate to be moulded into a right-back by Arteta.

Since joining the Gunners, White has started 107 games for Arsenal, showing his importance for the team. 

His fearlessness to run and break lines, overlapping runs and composure while on the ball have been crucial in helping Arsenal become one of the most solid defences in the league.


4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang  

Position: Centre-Forward/Left-Winger

Nationality: Gabon

From: Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Season: 2017/18

Transfer Fee: £60 million (€63.75 million)

Aubameyang was a highly-rated Gabonese striker from Dortmund who signed for Arsenal in January 2018.

The prolific scoring profile which he obtained over in Germany was exactly what Arsène Wenger and Arsenal were looking for at the time. 

The striker, who was also known for playing down the left, established himself as a key player in the Gunner’s set up.

Known for his speed and finishing ability, the Gabonese played 143 times in the Premier League for Arsenal scoring 69 times while also winning the Golden Boot in his full debut season. 

However, the manner in which Aubameyang departed Arsenal left a rather nasty taste in the mouth.

Having been left out of the squad numerous times for ‘disciplinary issues’ and the captaincy stripped from him in the 2021/22 season, the sense was, his time had come to an end. Aubameyang had his contract terminated in January of 2022.

3. Kai Havertz 

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Nationality: Germany

From: Chelsea FC (England)

Season: 2023/24

Transfer Fee: £65 million (€75 million)

Kai Havertz joined Arsenal after having had a rather mixed relationship with Chelsea fans. With periods of inconsistency and lacklustre performances overshadowing moments of pure brilliance, the price tag Arsenal brought Havertz only added to the pressures of joining allegiances with a local rival. 

The German's versatility and ability to play in multiple attacking positions were key factors in Arsenal’s decision to invest massively into the player. Being able to play in midfield and up top as a striker or false 9, Havertz offers tactical flexibility. 

Arguably signed as a Number 8, after a very shaky start, Arteta positioned Havertz as a false 9.

Linking up the midfield and attacking line, while also being there to add the finishing touches in certain situations, meant Havertz started to find his world-class form again.

His debut season saw the German net 16 goals, more than any of his previous Premier League seasons. 

2. Nicolas Pepe

Position: Right Winger

Nationality: Côte d'Ivoire

From: LOSC Lille (France)

Season: 2019/20

Transfer Fee: £72 million (€80 million)

Signed in August 2019, Arsenal shattered their transfer record for the time by signing Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe. The winger arrived with a large reputation, having scored 22 goals and having 11 assists to his name in the season prior. 

Known for his electric pace, dribbling ability, skill, and eye-for-goal, it was obvious at the time why Arsenal wanted to bring Pepe to the club.

During his time at the Gunners, Pepe did show flashes of excellence, injecting creativity, flair, and dynamism into the forward line. Pepe was expected to be a key player for the future of the Gunners.

However, the Ivorian’s time at Arsenal was spent mostly trying to find his feet and Ligue 1 form. Despite fans wanting immediate results, the adjustment to the Premier League’s physicality, tactical adaptations and competition for places had the player struggling.

The hefty price tag also subjected him to significant scrutiny and criticism from pundits, which was exacerbated when Arteta opted for other options on the wing.

Pepe now finds himself as a free agent, having spent last season at Trabzonspor in Turkey. 

1. Declan Rice

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Nationality: England

From: West Ham United (England)

Season: 2023/24

Transfer Fee: £100 million (€117 million)

Declan Rice, the exceptionally talented Defensive Midfielder, became Arsenal’s most expensive signing ever with his move from West Ham United for £100 million.

A product of West Ham’s and Chelsea’s academy, Rice has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league.

His consistent performances, tactical know-how and ability to read the game made him a highly sought after player, especially after West Ham won the UEFA Conference League in 2023.

Following the departure of Granit Xhaka, Arsenal were desperate for a replacement. Aiming to add versatility and an engine into the midfield, Declan Rice provides defensive solidity and can link up attacks.

Mikel Arteta’s vision for a player of Rice's calibre was to be an anchor in the midfield, break up opposition attacks, and start attacks from deep positions. Rice’s leadership skills were also a significant factor, as he captained West Ham and brought invaluable experience to a young Arsenal squad.

It was thought that Rice would play more of a number 8 role in the Arsenal squad. However, with the injury of Thomas Partey and the puzzle of where Kai Havertz fits, Rice played the majority of his debut season as a number 6. At the end of the season, with the return of Partey, the Englishman slotted into the 8 and gave Arsenal a balance they were looking for. 

Rice’s physical presence and stamina make him a formidable asset in midfield battles. His ability to maintain high performance levels throughout the match ensures that Arsenal can sustain pressure on the opposition and protect their defensive line.

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