Mikel Arteta has made a number of incredible signings as Arsenal’s manager.
The Spaniard was appointed as Unai Emery’s successor in December 2019, and he has transformed the club since.
Over the years, Arteta has completed a total of 42 signings – loan and permanent – and many of them have been huge hits.
Declan Rice is his most expensive recruit, and he has been incredible. But Arteta’s best signing is another player – Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel Magalhaes is Arsenal’s best signing under Mikel Arteta
Arsenal signed Gabriel from French side Lille in 2020.
The Brazilian wasn’t a popular name here in England, but he made an instant impact by scoring on his debut against Fulham.
Gabriel has improved year after year at Arsenal and is now among the best central defenders in world football.
He is a key part of Arsenal’s defence, has been key to William Saliba’s development and is also among the Gunners’ leadership group.
Rice is definitely up there with Mikel Arteta’s best-ever signings at the Emirates, but he cost Arsenal £100 million in 2023.
Gabriel was signed for just £27 million five years ago, which looks like one of the best bargains in the club’s history.
That is one of the many reasons why we think Gabriel is Arteta’s best-ever signing as Arsenal’s manager.
Gabriel could become an Arsenal legend
Gabriel would walk into most teams in world football.
The Brazilian attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabia a few years ago, and if he became available, we’re sure bigger clubs would queue up to sign him as well.
However, Gabriel signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal in the summer, which means his peak years will be at the Emirates.
In that period, Gabriel, who many at Arsenal think is very ‘underrated’, could help Arsenal win the Premier League and Champions League titles among other trophies.
That would go a long way in cementing his status as one of the legends of Arsenal.
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