Mikel Arteta has spent millions over the years to develop his Arsenal squad, securing some bargains along the way.
After the 2024/25 transfer windows were a disaster for Arsenal, the Gunners will be desperate to make the summer market count.
Andrea Berta was unveiled as Arsenal’s new sporting director, bringing with him a strong track record of high-class deals at Atletico Madrid.
Arteta will seek Berta’s guidance in the upcoming market, in a window that could see the Arsenal manager complete a deal as strong as one he orchestrated in 2023.
Martin Keown says Arsenal got Declan Rice for ‘cheap’
In 2023, Declan Rice signed to become Arsenal’s record signing, swapping East London for North London.
The former West Ham midfielder was purchased for an eye-watering £105m, and while the Englishman’s price tag is frequently referenced, it’s not for the reason that some might assume.
David Moyes insists Arsenal underpaid for Rice, claiming that his former player warranted a value closer to £150m.
The Scotsman isn’t the only one who thinks that way, as Arsenal legend Martin Keown shared his belief that the Gunners acquired the midfielder for ‘cheap’.
“It almost seems cheap for the amount of money they paid for him, and this is a player that keeps getting better and better,” Keown said on TNT Sports’ coverage of Arsenal vs Real Madrid.
“I thought he was going to be a six for Arsenal, but he can play anywhere in that midfield, getting more touches than any player in the final third, really taking the game.”
Keown credited the evolution of Rice’s game since joining Arsenal as the reason why his transfer is now perceived as a bargain.
Rice is a player transformed by Mikel Arteta
Rice’s attacking brilliance saw him conquer Real Madrid, as the midfielder was the man of the match in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final.
The Englishman is going from strength to strength at Arsenal, supporting Keown’s claim of him being underpaid for as he continues to blossom in other areas of his game.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| West Ham | 245 | 15 | 13 |
| Arsenal | 96 | 14 | 19 |
Rice’s attacking numbers since joining Arsenal are rather staggering when compared to his record at West Ham.
In 149 fewer appearances, the 26-year-old has eclipsed his goal and assist tally from his time at the London Stadium, telling of where Arteta wants to see him improve.
The England international’s quality has always been known, hence his £105m price tag, but for it to now be regarded as cheap only emphasises the brilliance of the deal Arsenal secured.
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