With the new Premier League season now very much up and running, the time has come to reflect upon the transfer business that Arsenal completed in the recent summer window.
Arsenal were relatively busy during the recent summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar will have worked closely together throughout the off-season, and were able to add four new faces to the Gunners’ ranks.
This quartet has now had time to settle and make an impression at the Emirates Stadium.
- READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market
Riccardo Calafiori – 8/10
Riccardo Calafiori arrived from Bologna, after having impressed at Euro 2024 with Italy. The versatile defender, most regularly featuring at left-back for the Gunners, has quickly impressed, and has struck up an effective relationship with Gabriel Martinelli on the pitch.
Calafiori has already impressed Arsenal fans, with his attacking intent, willingness to get forward, and confident style of play. He truly announced his arrival at Arsenal with a spectacular strike from range against Manchester City.
Mikel Merino – 7/10
Mikel Merino was made to wait for his Arsenal debut, after picking up an injury in his first training session in North London following his arrival from Real Sociedad.
The Euro 2024 winner has since made his bow for the Gunners, and has shown flashes of quality. Expectations are high that the midfielder will go on to make a positive impact throughout the rest of the season, as his profile makes him such an exciting fit for Arteta’s side.
Merino is an expert duel winner, particularly in the air, suggesting that he will provide another goal threat. He is also a physical presence in the middle of the park, and will lend support to Declan Rice when it comes to shielding the back four.
Neto – 5/10
Signed very much to provide back up for goalkeeper David Raya, Bournemouth loanee Neto is yet to make his first appearance for Arsenal. Barring an injury to Raya, the 35-year-old will not play a great deal this season, but does add some welcome experience to Arteta’s ranks.
However, the fact that Neto arrived at Arsenal already cup-tied in the EFL Cup is a frustration. When Arsenal took on Bolton Wanderers in the competition earlier this season, Arteta was forced to hand 16-year-old Jack Porter a record-breaking debut, as Raya was injured and Neto was ineligible.
Edu forced through signing Neto at the 11th hour when it seemed Arsenal might fail to replace Aaron Ramsdale altogether.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Raheem Sterling arrived at Arsenal on loan from Chelsea with a point to prove. The 29-year-old winger won four Premier League titles, amongst other honours, in his time at Manchester City, but failed to consistently impress at Stamford Bridge.
Arteta backs himself to reignite Sterling, though, and get him back to his best. The 82-cap England international has only had limited opportunities to strut his stuff for the Gunners so far though.
From a financial perspective, at least, Arsenal have good reason to be delighted with this signing. Edu was able to negotiate a deal for Sterling that means Chelsea are still paying a higher proportion of his wages than Arsenal are, and the Gunners did not have to pay a loan fee for his services either.
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