There are just two weeks left of the transfer window and Arsenal still have a lot of business to do before it closes on September 1, but let’s have a look at the deals they’ve already done this summer.
Arsenal Men’s Team
Arsenal deals – Signings
Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been marked by a series of impressive signings, aiming to bolster various areas of the squad.
David Raya, coming in on loan from Brentford with an option to buy, may prove to be a strategic acquisition. This move offers the Gunners increased competition and depth in the goalkeeping department.
The spotlight, however, is firmly on Declan Rice.
Secured for a whopping £105m from West Ham, Rice is undeniably this transfer window’s marquee signing for Arsenal.
The England international brings a combination of steel, vision, and leadership to the heart of the midfield, attributes the team will undoubtedly benefit from.
Another intriguing acquisition is Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
Priced at £34.3m, his signing signifies not just the immediate talent he brings but also the immense potential Arsenal anticipates from him.
Fans will have to exercise patience, however, as it seems the real showcasing of Timber’s abilities may not happen until the next season after he picked up an ACL injury on his official Arsenal debut.
Lastly, the surprise move of Kai Havertz from Chelsea caught many off guard.
With Havertz, Arsenal has further enhanced their attacking prowess.
He offers a harmonious mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, sure to be a boon for the squad as they navigate the season ahead.
Arsenal deals – Departures
The summer transfer window has seen a flurry of activity from Arsenal, with a host of players departing from the club.
Notably, Matt Turner secured a £7m move to Nottingham Forest.
Another is Auston Trusty, who transferred to Sheffield United for a fee of £5m. Meanwhile, Ben Cottrell has found a new home with NS Mura.
In one of the higher-profile departures, midfielder Granit Xhaka was sold for £21.5m to Bayer Leverkusen.
Additionally, Pablo Mari made a switch to AC Monza, while young talent Mazeed Ogungbo was sold to Barrow for an undisclosed fee.
Among those who have been released or saw their contracts come to an end at Arsenal include Kaleel Green, Zach Awe, Joel Ideho, George Lewis, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matt Smith, Tom Smith, Alexandar Kovacevic, Tino Quamina, Mathaeus Roberts, and Nikolaj Moller.
Arsenal deals – Loans
The Arsenal management has been equally busy ensuring continuity within the squad. Several players have been loaned out to different clubs, presumably to gain more experience and regular game time.
Goalkeeper Alex Runarsson has been loaned out to Cardiff City.
Marquinhos finds himself headed to FC Nantes, while young prospect Charlie Patino will be showcasing his skills at Swansea City.
Mika Biereth has secured a loan move to Motherwell where he scored and assisted on his debut. Hubert Graczyk will be plying his trade with Slough Town FC.
The list continues with Billy Vigar joining Eastbourne Borough and Mauro Bandeira securing a move to Colchester United.
In an interesting move, Catalin Cirjin has joined Rapid Bucharest with an option for the club to make the move permanent.
Arsenal deals – Contract renewals
The club has also emphasised retaining its core by renewing the contracts of several key players.
Among those who have extended their commitment to the Gunners include (in chronological order) Josh Robinson, Elian Quesada-Thorn, Reiss Nelson, Aaron Ramsdale, star-boy Bukayo Saka, and, of course, William Saliba.
These renewals highlight the club’s intent to maintain stability and continue building around its emerging and established stars.
Arsenal Women’s Team
Arsenal deals – Signings
Starting with the new faces, Alessio Russo has joined the Gunners on a free transfer from Manchester United. The addition of Cloe Lacasse from Benfica promises to inject more dynamism into the squad.
Rounding off the new arrivals (for now) is Amanda Ilestedt, who has made the move from the renowned PSG team.
Arsenal deals – Departures
On the other hand, there have been some departures, with contracts coming to an end.
Talented player Anna Patten has bid farewell, as has Rafaelle.
The list of departures also includes Fran Stenson and the impactful Mana Iwabuchi. These players’ contributions to the team will certainly be remembered, and they leave with best wishes for their next endeavours.
Arsenal deals – Loans and contract renewals
The Arsenal Women’s team has also focused on further developing its talent by securing loan moves for a few players, as well as ensuring continuity by renewing contracts with key players.
In terms of loans, Watford seems to be a preferred destination for the Gunners’ talents. Michelle Agyemang, Laila Habbert, and Katie Reid have all secured moves to the Hornets.
Meanwhile, Kaylan Marckese will be showcasing her skills at Bristol City, and Freya Godfrey has joined Charlton Athletic. These loan moves signify Arsenal’s intention to offer these players regular game time, helping them gather invaluable experience.
Regarding contract renewals, Arsenal has once again shown its commitment to retaining its core players. Freya Godfrey has not only secured a loan move but has also renewed her contract with the Gunners.
The club has also successfully extended contracts with Frida Maanum, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, and Jen Beattie.
The continuation of these players indicates Arsenal’s desire to build around a consistent and strong foundation in the women’s team.
