Arsenal Football Club has made some significant investments in talent over the years, with several high-profile transfers marking their history.
The most expensive signing in Arsenal‘s history is Declan Rice, who joined from West Ham United in July 2023 for an astounding €116.6 million. This transfer set a new benchmark for the club, underlining their commitment to bringing in top-tier talent.
Nicolas Pepe‘s move from Lille in August 2019 for €80 million was another major investment by Arsenal. Pepe, an attacking midfielder and forward, was highly sought after and his arrival was seen as a significant coup for the Gunners. Unfortunately, it proved to be money unwisely spent.
Another notable signing was Kai Havertz from Chelsea in July 2023 for €75 million. Havertz, known for his versatility in attacking positions, was a statement signing, demonstrating Arsenal‘s intent to strengthen their title credentials.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s acquisition from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 for €63.8 million was another high-profile move. Aubameyang’s reputation as a prolific goalscorer made this transfer a significant addition to Arsenal‘s attacking options.
Defender Ben White joined from Brighton in July 2021 for €58.5 million, marking a significant investment in the club’s defensive line. Alexandre Lacazette‘s transfer from Lyon in July 2017 for €53 million further added firepower to Arsenal‘s attack.
Gabriel Jesus‘ signing from Manchester City in July 2022 for €52.2 million was part of Arsenal‘s strategy to strengthen their front line with experience. Thomas Partey‘s move from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for €50 million strengthened the midfield, when he was fit, at least.
Arsenal‘s signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in September 2013 for €47 million was a landmark transfer at the time, bringing in a world-class playmaker. Granit Xhaka‘s move from Borussia Mönchengladbach in July 2016 for €45 million added wobbly steel to the midfield.
Alexis Sanchez‘s transfer from Barcelona in July 2014 for €42.5 million was another high-impact signing, with Sanchez’s dynamism and skill adding a new dimension to Arsenal‘s attack.
The list of top 25 most expensive transfers also includes players like Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia, Jurrien Timber from Ajax, Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, and Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, each marking significant financial investments by Arsenal in their pursuit of domestic and European success.
Arsenal’s top 25 most expensive transfers
- Declan Rice (from West Ham) – Date: 07/15/2023, Price: €116.6M
- Nicolas Pepe (from Lille) – Date: 08/01/2019, Price: €80M
- Kai Havertz (from Chelsea) – Date: 07/01/2023, Price: €75M
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (from Dortmund) – Date: 01/31/2018, Price: €63.8M
- Ben White (from Brighton) – Date: 07/30/2021, Price: €58.5M
- Alexandre Lacazette (from Lyon) – Date: 07/05/2017, Price: €53M
- Gabriel Jesus (from Man City) – Date: 07/04/2022, Price: €52.2M
- Thomas Partey (from Atletico Madrid) – Date: 10/05/2020, Price: €50M
- Mesut Ozil (from Real Madrid) – Date: 09/02/2013, Price: €47M
- Granit Xhaka (from Borussia Mönchengladbach) – Date: 07/01/2016, Price: €45M
- Alexis Sanchez (from Barcelona) – Date: 07/10/2014, Price: €42.5M
- Shkodran Mustafi (from Valencia) – Date: 08/30/2016, Price: €41M
- Jurrien Timber (from Ajax) – Date: 07/14/2023, Price: €40M
- Fabio Vieira (from FC Porto) – Date: 07/01/2022, Price: €35M
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (from Man City) – Date: 07/22/2022, Price: €35M
- Martin Odegaard (from Real Madrid) – Date: 08/20/2021, Price: €35M
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan (from Man Utd) – Date: 01/22/2018, Price: €34M
- William Saliba (from Saint-Etienne) – Date: 07/25/2019, Price: €30M
- Lucas Torreira (from Sampdoria) – Date: 07/10/2018, Price: €28.7M
- Aaron Ramsdale (from Sheffield United) – Date: 08/20/2021, Price: €28M
- Kieran Tierney (from Celtic) – Date: 08/08/2019, Price: €27M
- Gabriel Magalhães (from Lille) – Date: 09/01/2020, Price: €26M
- Bernd Leno (from Bayer Leverkusen) – Date: 07/01/2018, Price: €25M
- Jakub Kiwior (from Spezia Calcio) – Date: 01/23/2023, Price: €25M
- Leandro Trossard (from Brighton) – Date: 01/20/2023, Price: €24M