Arsenal did not make any signings in January 2024, but five incoming deals were closed over the course of the recent summer transfer window.
With 2024 now drawing to a close itself, it is an ideal time to reflect on the business that the North London club have conducted in the last twelve months.
Mikel Arteta may well venture into the transfer market in January, particularly as Arsenal now have injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling to cope with, but time will tell if the Gunners add to their ranks in the new year.
In the meantime, those who arrived at the Emirates Stadium most recently are still, in many cases, fighting to prove their worth to Arsenal.
David Raya – A
Goalkeeper David Raya spent last season on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, but his switch to North London was not made permanent until the summer.
The Spaniard did not have an entirely convincing maiden season between the sticks for the Gunners, but Arteta stood by him from the off.
Even as a debate raged around his place in the pecking order, and Arsenal fans demanded the return of Aaron Ramsdale to a starting berth, Arteta kept faith in Raya.
Ramsdale has since been moved on, Raya signed permanently, and the 29-year-old has now set about repaying the faith that the manager showed in him in earnest. The Euro 2024 winner has been in spectacular form so far this season.
The Ramsdale vs Raya debate has been settled for good, and the Gunners can now lay claim to having one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League on their books.
Riccardo Calafiori – B
Riccardo Calafiori arrived at Arsenal from Bologna in the summer, and has quickly endeared himself to the Emirates Stadium faithful.
The versatile Italian defender is comfortable in the heart of the rearguard, but has been deployed most regularly as a left-back by Arteta.
In this full-back role, the 22-year-old is able to show off his attacking instincts, which truly came to the fore as he announced himself at the club with a spectacular strike from range against Manchester City early on this season.
There has been little to criticise the player for on the pitch since he joined the club. However, there are concerns about Calafiori’s fitness record.
He has already missed 14 games this season, across all competitions, due to injury. This record must improve if he is to truly reach his potential in North London.
Mikel Merino – C
Like Calafiori, Mikel Merino has suffered with injuries so far this season.
When he has been fit, though, the summer signing from Real Sociedad has rarely been able to really shine. The midfielder’s performances have been somewhat average, and therefore underwhelming.
The plan that Arteta has in mind for the 28-year-old is clear, though. Merino is a huge aerial threat and an expert duel winner.
With a real run of games, and time to adapt to the Gunners’ style of play, it will still be hoped that he can become a key player for the club.
Raheem Sterling – D
Arsenal took a gamble in signing Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the summer, after the 30-year-old had fallen short of expectations in his time at Stamford Bridge.
However, Arteta is very familiar with the winger’s quality, having worked with him when they were both employed by Manchester City.
On top of that, Arsenal got a good financial deal for Sterling, mitigating much of the risk they took in signing him, as they avoided paying a loan fee and with the Blues still covering the majority of his salary.
Despite these factors, though, the England international’s stint in North London has still been fairly disastrous so far.
Having been a bit-part figure in the first half of season, Sterling was recently stricken with injury at the worst possible time, with Bukayo Saka also being sidelined at the same time.
Sterling was called the worst signing of the summer by one pundit, and it seems he may well live up to that unfortunate billing come the end of the campaign.
- READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market
Neto – D
With Ramsdale gone, Arsenal were in desperate need of cover for Raya. As such, veteran shot-stopper Neto was prised away from Bournemouth on a loan deal.
It may seem harsh to give the 35-year-old such a poor rating, as he has done little wrong. The problem is, in fact, that he hasn’t done anything at all. He is yet to play a single minute for Arsenal.
Of course, it is a good thing that Arsenal haven’t had to rely upon their back up ‘keeper, as it means that Raya is fit.
However, whilst it is hardly Neto’s fault, the wisdom in signing a rotational goalkeeper who is cup-tied in the EFL Cup – and therefore cannot represent the Gunners in the one competition he might otherwise have been given regular game time in – must be questioned.
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