Arsenal made some marquee acquisitions in the 2023 summer transfer market with Mikel Arteta eager to add depth to his squad. The Gunners narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season. Hence, the North London club didn’t hesitate to splash some cash in this recently concluded transfer window.
Arsenal added four major pieces to their squad in the form of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya (on loan from Brentford) [via transfermarkt].
Arsenal’s Summer Signings Reviewed
Declan Rice
The English midfielder arrived from West Ham United in a club-record £105m deal and has already made a major impact at the North London club.
Rice recently scored in injury time to inspire Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United. It seems like Arteta has done well by recruiting Rice this summer as he could prove pivotal in their attempts to win the league title this season.
Kai Havertz
Havertz made a surprise move from Chelsea in a deal worth £65m. He penned a five-year contract with the Gunners. However, the German talent has failed to prove his worth at the Emirates Stadium thus far.
Even though Havertz is a regular starter in Arsenal’s first XI, he has struggled to give a good account of himself at the centre of the park. Unless Arteta can find a way to unlock the best out of him, Havertz might be in for another tough spell in the English capital.
Jurrien Timber
Timber sealed a move to Arsenal from Ajax in a €40m deal. The Dutch defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament last month and is facing a long spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal fans would have to wait for now before they can see Timber perform at a high level for them in the Premier League.
David Raya (On Loan)
The Gunners decided to sign Raya on a season-long loan deal from Brentford. He is currently serving as an ideal understudy to Aaron Ramsdale at the North London club.
Raya’s addition would no doubt help Arsenal compete across all fronts this season.
Arsenal’s Summer Departures
Folarin Balogun – Monaco for €30.00m
Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen for €15.00m
Matt Turner – Nottingham Forest for €8.15m
How Did Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Fare In The Market?
The signing of Declan Rice was a major coup for Arteta. However, the long-term injury to Jurrien Timber and the lack of form of Kai Havertz would be worrying for Arsenal as they look to build on their strong start to this 2023-24 campaign.
David Raya’s acquisition would definitely help the Gunners compete across all competitions this season.
