Arsenal analysis: Who was Mikel Arteta’s best summer signing? Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres ranked
It has been a busy old summer in N5 for Arsenal, who spent well over £250million on reinforcements.
Mikel Arteta’s men have got off to a decent start in the Premier League, registering victories against Manchester United and Leeds United, followed by a narrow defeat to reigning champions Liverpool.
Plenty of new faces have been on show, with eight additions through the door at the Emirates Stadium, but how does each signing rank?
Well, Transfer News Blitz’s Edward Moss has taken a deep dive into the Gunners' summer business.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: C
Signed for £5million from Chelsea
Following the departure of Neto, who was on loan from AFC Bournemouth last term, Arsenal needed to sign a new backup to David Raya.
In came Chelsea shot stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who coincidentally impressed on loan with the Cherries last season.
While this move definitely has not pulled up any trees, it is a smart acquisition by the Gunners.
The 30-year-old joins with bags of Premier League and European experience, and will provide healthy competition for Raya when needed.
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Cristhian Mosquera: B
Signed £13million plus add-ons from Valencia
Somewhat of an unknown before Arsenal’s interest, Cristhian Mosquera was one of the Gunners’ earlier signings.
The Spanish U21 international has tonnes of potential and could well be a staple of Arteta’s backline for years to come.
While the 21-year-old is unlikely to displace Gabriel Magalhaes or William Saliba, he has looked confident and assured when given the chance.
Mosquera is certainly one for the future, but could well have a strong impact this season.
Piero Hincapie: B+
Signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen
With Jakub Kiwior off to FC Porto, Piero Hincapie is Arsenal’s latest addition.
Able to play at left-back and centre-back, the Ecuadorian could prove to be a valuable asset as injuries have already begun to mount in North London.
The 23-year-old was brought in initially on loan, but the Gunners do have the option to make the deal permanent for £45million next summer if they wish to do so.
Of course, Hincapie was part of the now infamous Bayer Leverkusen side that went invincible in the Bundesliga under Xabi Alonso in the 2023/24 season.
While the jury is certainly still out – after all, the defender is yet to feature for Arsenal – on paper, this is a great signing.
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Christian Norgaard: C+
Signed for £10million plus add-ons from Brentford
One of the more underrated players signed by Arsenal, Christian Norgaard made a cross-London switch from Brentford this summer.
The former Bees captain brings a wealth of Premier League experience and was the perfect replacement for the outgoing Jorginho.
Although the Dane will not be a starter in N5, he is an ideal player to bring on to steady the ship in tricky matchups.
Not to forget the 31-year-old’s expertise from the penalty spot, which could come in handy later down the line in the Champions League…
Currently sidelined with a knock, Norgaard is expected to be available for selection again after the international break.
Martin Zubimendi: B
Signed for £55millon from Real Sociedad
One year on from snubbing Liverpool, Martin Zubimendi was lured to North London by Arteta & Co.
The Spaniard had a lacklustre showing against Arne Slot’s Reds, but has had a largely successful start to life at the Emirates Stadium.
Sitting at the base of the Gunners’ midfield, the signing of Zubimendi has allowed Declan Rice to progress into a more advanced position.
The 26-year-old is a fierce-tackling midfielder who does all the simple things beautifully.
Zubimendi certainly looks to be a top signing.
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Noni Madueke: B+
Signed for £48.5million plus add-ons from Chelsea
Arsenal shelled out a huge fee for Chelsea forward Noni Madueke this summer, which caused huge uproar with a section of the Gunners’ faithful.
That being said, the Englishman has defied expectations so far.
Amid Bukayo Saka’s injury against Leeds United, the 23-year-old stepped up in the following game against Liverpool.
Madueke had the beating of Milos Kerkez for the majority of the game and was Arsenal’s best player by a mile.
With plenty of competition for starting spots along Arteta’s front line, Madueke will have to be at his best to play.
So far, this has been a great addition for the North Londoners.
Eberechi Eze: A+
Signed for £67.5million from Crystal Palace
Where to start with Eberechi Eze.
What a man, what a player, what a signing.
The 27-year-old is already regarded as an Arsenal hero, having snubbed Tottenham Hotspur in favour of a move to the Emirates Stadium.
If that is not enough, the England international is a sublime signing and instantly elevates the level at Arsenal.
Released by the club at 13, you could not wipe the smile off of Eze’s face when his return was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium.
It will not be long until Eze firmly establishes himself as an Arsenal regular.
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Viktor Gyokeres: A
Signed for £55million plus add-ons from Sporting
The Gunners finally got their hands on an out-and-out centre-forward this summer, in the form of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede has been on some journey – from plying his trade in the EFL to bagging tonnes of goals at Sporting, he now has the chance to prove himself at the highest level.
It will take some time for Gyokeres to acclimate to the Premier League and Arsenal’s way of playing, and vice versa – the Gunners have not played with a proper striker for some time.
All the early signs are pointing to the fact that the 27-year-old is going to score bags of goals, and that is exactly what Arsenal need.
Departures: D-
On the other hand, the Gunners are infamous for their horrendous selling strategy.
Arsenal’s three most expensive departures are Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nicholas Anelka and Alexis Sanchez, which should tell you everything you need to know.
Unfortunately, it has been much of the same this summer, with just a reported £9million recouped in sales.
That being said, plenty of the players sent out on loan do have options or obligations to leave permanently.
Polish defender Kiwior joined Portuguese side FC Porto for the season, while Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko departed on loan to Brentford and Nottingham Forest, respectively.
Fabio Vieria and Albert Sambi Lokonga left for Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, the latter on a permanent deal.
While Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey all left for free at the end of their contracts with the Gunners.
Arsenal’s biggest departures were Nuno Tavares and Brazilian winger Marquinhos.
Tavares joined Lazio for a reported £6million, while Marquinhos returned to Brazil for £3million with Cruzeiro.
This is certainly an area that Arsenal need to improve on, but under Andrea Berta, there has been a shift.
Gone are the days of letting players go for peanuts, hence why so many have left on loan.
Overall, this summer has been a roaring success for Arsenal, who have given themselves every chance at silverware this season.
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