Arsenal has been making some serious moves in the transfer market lately, and this summer was no exception. With the signing of Riccardo Calafiori for £42 million, the Gunners continue to show they’re not afraid to spend big to bring top talent to the Emirates. But where does this signing rank among Arsenal’s all-time priciest deals? Let’s count down the top five most expensive signings in Arsenal’s history. Whether you’re checking the odds on Betway or keeping tabs on your favorite club, these are the names that have defined Arsenal’s spending spree.
Honourable Mention: Riccardo Calafiori – £42m (from Bologna, 2024)
Fresh off the press, Riccardo Calafiori’s move from Bologna to Arsenal this summer raised a few eyebrows—and a few hopes. The Italian defender is versatile, capable of playing both at center-back and left-back, and he’s coming in hot after impressing at Euro 2024. With a price tag like that, though, he’ll need to hit the ground running. Arsenal fans are eager to see if he can fill the gaps in Arteta’s defense or if he’ll struggle to justify that hefty fee.
4. Ben White – £50m (from Brighton & Hove Albion, 2021)
When Arsenal decided to drop £50 million on Ben White, the football world collectively raised an eyebrow. Was this relatively young and unproven defender really worth that kind of cash? Fast forward a bit, and White has shown that sometimes, the gamble pays off. Slotting into Arsenal’s defense like he was born for it, White quickly proved his versatility by excelling both as a center-back and as a right-back. His calmness on the ball and ability to play out from the back has been crucial to Mikel Arteta’s style of play.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £56m (from Borussia Dortmund, 2018)
Ah, Aubameyang. Arsenal’s talisman for a good few years, Aubameyang came in for £56 million and instantly lit up the Premier League with his pace and goalscoring prowess. He was crucial in Arsenal’s FA Cup win in 2020, but his time at the club eventually soured. Still, you can’t deny the impact he had during his peak years at the Emirates.
2. Kai Havertz – £65m (from Chelsea, 2023)
The Gunners didn’t mess around when they snatched Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million. The German’s arrival was seen as a major statement, adding creativity and versatility to Arsenal’s attack. While he’s still finding his feet at the Emirates, the potential is undeniable. Arsenal is betting big on Havertz, hoping he can become the star that shines brightest in North London.
1. Declan Rice – £105m (from West Ham United, 2023)
Here it is—the mother of all Arsenal signings. Rice arrived for a staggering £105 million, making him not just Arsenal’s most expensive signing, but also one of the priciest transfers in Premier League history. The English midfielder was brought in to be the linchpin of Arsenal’s midfield, and the pressure is on for him to deliver. So far, he’s looked every bit the part, but with a fee like that, nothing short of world-class performances will suffice.
Ready to See What These Big-Money Signings Can Do?
Arsenal has spent big, and now it’s time to see if these investments will pay off. Whether you’re placing bets or just following the action, these signings have added a whole new level of excitement to the Gunners’ quest for glory. So, who will be the next big signing to make this list? Only time—and maybe a few more million pounds—will tell.
