Top 10 Arsenal Most Expensive Signings Ever

Transfers are a crucial part of football, as they allow teams to improve their squads by bringing in new players and selling or loaning out those who are surplus to requirements or no longer fit the team's style.

In recent years, Arsenal's transfer business has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits. The club has made several signings in an attempt to improve the team.

During the 2021 summer transfer window, Arsenal made a number of signings, including Ben White from Brighton, Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna. These signings were intended to address the team's weaknesses and add depth to the squad.

Overall, Arsenal's transfer business has been a mixed bag in recent years, with some successful signings and some that have not lived up to expectations. The club will need to continue to make smart decisions in the transfer market if they hope to compete at the highest level.

With that in mind here are the 10 most expensive Arsenal signings of all time.

1. Nicolas Pepe - £72m (from Lille, 2019)

Nicolas Pepe is a Ivorian professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in August 2019 for a club-record transfer fee of £72 million. The transfer was a significant move for both Pepe and Arsenal.

Pepe had caught the attention of several top clubs in Europe after his impressive performances for French side Lille during the 2018-2019 season. He scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 38 appearances, helping Lille to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Unai Emery, were looking to add more attacking options to their squad and identified Pepe as a key target. The transfer fee was a club-record, surpassing the £57.4 million paid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January 2018.

Pepe's transition to English football was not without its challenges, as he initially struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. However, he began to show his potential towards the end of his first season, finishing the campaign with eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - £57.4m (from Dortmund, 2018)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a Gabonese professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in January 2018 from Borussia Dortmund. The transfer was a significant move for both Aubameyang and Arsenal.

Aubameyang had established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe during his time at Dortmund, where he had scored 141 goals in 213 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a prolific goalscorer after the departure of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.

The transfer fee for Aubameyang was reported to be around £57.4 million, which was a club-record at the time, surpassing the £47.7 million paid for Alexandre Lacazette in the previous summer transfer window.

Aubameyang made an immediate impact for Arsenal, scoring on his debut in a 5-1 victory over Everton. He went on to score 10 goals in his first 13 appearances for the club, including two goals in the 2018-2019 Premier League season opener against Manchester City.

In his first full season with Arsenal, Aubameyang shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, scoring 22 goals in 36 league appearances. He also played a key role in helping Arsenal reach the Europa League final, where he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Chelsea.

His tenure came to an end unceremoniously after a fallout with Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, in 2021/2022 season..

3. Ben White - £50m (from Brighton, 2021)

Ben White was signed by Arsenal Football Club in July 2021 from Brighton & Hove Albion. The transfer was a significant move for both White and Arsenal.

White had established himself as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League during his loan spell at Leeds United in the 2019-2020 season, where he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. He returned to Brighton for the 2020-2021 season and impressed in the center-back position, leading to interest from several top clubs in Europe.

Arsenal identified White as a key target to strengthen their defense, which had been a weakness for the team in recent seasons. The transfer fee for White was reported to be around £50 million, which made him Arsenal's third most expensive signing in their history.

White made an immediate impact for Arsenal, showing his versatility by playing in both center-back and right-back positions. He impressed with his composure on the ball, his ability to carry the ball forward from defense, and his solid defending.

Despite some initial struggles with injuries and adapting to the team's style of play, White has become an important player for Arsenal, forming a solid partnership with fellow center-back Gabriel Magalhaes. He has also received praise for his performances for the England national team, where he made his debut in September 2021.

4. Alexandre Lacazette - £47.7m (from Lyon, 2017)

Alexandre Lacazette is a French professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in July 2017 from Olympique Lyonnais. The transfer was a significant move for both Lacazette and Arsenal.

Lacazette had established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe during his time at Lyon, where he had scored 129 goals in 275 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a prolific goalscorer after the departure of top scorer Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.

The transfer fee for Lacazette was reported to be around £47.7 million, which was a club-record at the time, surpassing the £42.4 million paid for Mesut Ozil in 2013.

Lacazette made an immediate impact for Arsenal, scoring on his debut in a 4-3 victory over Leicester City. He went on to score 17 goals in his first season, including a brace in the 2018 League Cup final against Manchester City.

In his second season, Lacazette formed a strong partnership with fellow striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the pair often playing as a front two. He scored 13 goals in the Premier League and 19 goals in all competitions, helping Arsenal reach the Europa League final.

5. Gabriel Jesus - £47m (from Manchester City, 2022)

The Brazilian arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2022 after a successful spell with Manchester city where he won the Premier League, FA Cup and League cup multiple times.

Jesus joined Arsenal on a long-term contract for a fee of £47 million and he is expected to play a crucial for Mikel Arteta's side in the centre-forward position.

6.Thomas Partey - £45m (from Atletico Madrid, 2020)

Thomas Partey joined Arsenal Football Club in October 2020 from Atletico Madrid. The transfer was a significant move for both Partey and Arsenal.

Partey had established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in La Liga during his time at Atletico Madrid, where he had played for six seasons and won the UEFA Europa League in 2018. Arsenal, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, were in need of a strong and experienced defensive midfielder to improve their midfield options.

The transfer fee for Partey was reported to be around £45 million, which was Arsenal's fourth most expensive signing in their history.

Partey made an immediate impact for Arsenal, showing his defensive abilities and his strength on the ball in his debut against Manchester City. He quickly became a regular starter in the team and was seen as a key player in Arteta's midfield.

Despite suffering from injuries during the season, Partey was impressive when he played, providing defensive cover and helping to start attacks from deep. He was also instrumental in Arsenal's Europa League campaign, helping them reach the semi-finals.

Partey is seen as a vital player for Arsenal, and his presence has greatly improved the team's midfield options. He has received praise for his physicality, tackling ability, and passing range, making him one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

7. Mesut Ozil - £42.3m (from Real Madrid, 2013)

Mesut Ozil is a German professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in September 2013 from Real Madrid. The transfer was a significant move for both Ozil and Arsenal.

Ozil had established himself as one of the top playmakers in the world during his time at Real Madrid, where he had won La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a creative midfielder to unlock opposing defenses and provide assists for the team's strikers.

The transfer fee for Ozil was reported to be around £42.4 million, which was a club-record at the time, surpassing the £15 million paid for Andrei Arshavin in 2009.

Ozil made an immediate impact for Arsenal, providing assists and creating chances for his teammates in his debut against Sunderland. He quickly became a regular starter in the team and was seen as a key player in Wenger's midfield.

During his time at Arsenal, Ozil developed a reputation as one of the top playmakers in the Premier League, with his passing ability and vision being a highlight of his game. He was instrumental in Arsenal's victories in the FA Cup in 2014, 2015, and 2017, and was named Arsenal's Player of the Season in the 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 seasons.

Despite some inconsistent performances and criticism over his work rate and defensive contribution, Ozil was a popular player among Arsenal fans for his creativity and attacking abilities. He left Arsenal in January 2021 to join Fenerbahce, ending his seven-and-a-half year spell at the club.

8. Granit Xhaka - £40.5m (from Monchengladbach, 2016)

Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in May 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach. The transfer was a significant move for both Xhaka and Arsenal.

Xhaka had established himself as a top midfielder during his time at Monchengladbach, where he had played for four seasons and captained the team in his final season. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a physical and combative midfielder to strengthen their midfield.

The transfer fee for Xhaka was reported to be around £35 million, which was Arsenal's third most expensive signing at the time.

Xhaka made an immediate impact for Arsenal, starting in the team's first game of the season against Liverpool. He quickly established himself as a regular starter in the team and was seen as a key player in Wenger's midfield.

During his time at Arsenal, Xhaka has developed a reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder with an excellent range of passing. He has been a regular fixture in the Arsenal team, making over 200 appearances for the club and helping them win the FA Cup in 2017 and 2020.

Despite some criticism over his disciplinary record and occasional defensive lapses, Xhaka has been a consistent performer for Arsenal and has become a fan favorite for his passion and work ethic. He was appointed as the team's captain in September 2019, but was later stripped of the captaincy in November 2019 following a confrontation with Arsenal fans.

9. Alexis Sanchez - £38.3m (from Barcelona, 2015)

Alexis Sanchez is a Chilean professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in July 2014 from Barcelona. The transfer was a significant move for both Sanchez and Arsenal.

Sanchez had established himself as one of the top attacking players in the world during his time at Barcelona, where he had won La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a world-class forward to improve their attacking options.

The transfer fee for Sanchez was reported to be around £35 million, which was Arsenal's send most expensive signing at the time.

Sanchez made an immediate impact for Arsenal, scoring his first goal for the club in his debut against Besiktas in a Champions League qualifying match. He quickly established himself as a key player in the team and was seen as a talismanic figure in the Arsenal attack.

During his time at Arsenal, Sanchez developed a reputation as one of the top attacking players in the Premier League, with his speed, dribbling ability, and finishing skills being a highlight of his game. He was instrumental in Arsenal's victories in the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, and was named Arsenal's Player of the Season in the 2016-2017 season.

Sanchez was a popular player among Arsenal fans for his skill and flair. He left Arsenal in January 2018 to join Manchester United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.

10. Shkodran Mustafi - £36.9m (from Valencia, 2016)

Shkodran Mustafi is a German professional footballer who was signed by Arsenal Football Club in August 2016 from Valencia. The transfer was a significant move for both Mustafi and Arsenal.

Mustafi had established himself as a top defender during his time at Valencia, where he had played for two seasons and helped the team qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal, under the leadership of then-head coach Arsene Wenger, were in need of a reliable and experienced center-back to improve their defense.

The transfer fee for Mustafi was reported to be around £35 million, which was Arsenal's second most expensive signing at the time, behind only the signing of Mesut Ozil.