Bargains and game changers: Arsenal’s best transfers of the last decade
Over the past decade, Arsenal have made several significant signings that have had a profound impact on the team’s performance and success.
While not every transfer has been a success, several standout arrivals have left a lasting mark, contributing crucial goals, solidifying the defense, and redefining the squad’s character.
For fans looking for coverage across all major sports, Arsenal’s transfer strategy and player impact provide a fascinating case study in building a winning squad.
Declan Rice (2023)
Declan Rice’s arrival in July 2023 marked a significant moment in the club’s history. Joining from West Ham for a club record of £100 million, with another £5 million in additional bonuses, he became the most expensive English player of all time.
His first season saw him earn the Premier League Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards 2024 and receive a nomination for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
His performances in the Champions League further solidified his reputation, most notably when he scored two spellbinding free-kicks in a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in April 2025. This feat placed him in the record books as the first player in Champions League knockout history to score two free-kicks in the same match.
His consistency and influence at just 26 years old have made him indispensable to Arsenal’s success.
Martin Odegaard (2021)
Martin Odegaard, who joined permanently in August 2021 for €35 million, has been the creative heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield, renowned for his precise passing (82% accuracy), intelligent movement, and knack for producing decisive moments.
The Norwegian has scored 34 goals and provided 32 assists so far with the club. In recognition of his impact, Odegaard was appointed club captain ahead of the 2022-23 season following the departures of previous leaders Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
His accolades include Arsenal Player of the Season for 2022-23, as well as nominations for Premier League Young Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2018)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Arsenal in January 2018 from Borussia Dortmund for £56 million, a record signing for the club at the time. Known for his reputation as one of Europe’s fastest and most lethal forwards, the Gabonese striker represented Arsenal’s ambition to strengthen their attacking prowess after their FA cup win the previous season.
He scored 68 goals across 128 appearances, most notably in the 2019-20 FA Cup, scoring twice in the final against Chelsea and helping Arsenal lift the trophy for the 14th time.
William Saliba (2019)
William Saliba, signed from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 for £27 million, has proven to be one of Arsenal’s smartest long-term investments.
Breaking into the first team in the 2022-23 season, he was instrumental in the club achieving one of the league’s best defensive records, contributing to 11 clean sheets. In 2023-24, Saliba registered 18 clean sheets, the most of any player in the Premier League that year.
Statistically, in the 2022-23 season alone, Arsenal conceded fewer goals with him on the pitch compared to when he was absent.
His performances have earned widespread praise and a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year in 2023, highlighting the exceptional value of his signing.
Gabriel Magalhaes (2020)
Gabriel, signed from Lille in September 2020, for a fee of around £27 million, quickly became a key defensive presence. The Brazilian center-back earned the club’s Player of the Month award three consecutive times in his debut season and scored on his debut against Fulham.
His partnership with Saliba has provided a rock-solid foundation at the back. In the 2023-24 season, he kept 15 clean sheets, the second-highest total in the Premier League that year behind Saliba.
For his relatively cheap transfer fee, he has developed into one of the league’s top defenders, proving to be an outstanding bargain.
