(Sky Sports, 2023)
Despite being one of the biggest clubs in the country, Arsenal haven't always been the biggest of spenders in the Premier League. However, with the recent signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined total of over £230m, The Gunners have spent more than any other team in Europe this window, in an attempt bring the League title back to North London.
While Arsenal fans may look back on last season with disappointment due to their late capitulation to Manchester City, it was still the best league campaign the club have had since 'The Invincibles' of 2003/04. For finishing second last season, Mikel Arteta's side raked in approximately £159m in prize money and will also reap the rewards from the Champions League for the first time in six years. Furthermore, there will be a few players leaving The Emirates this summer as well so Timber may not be the last big money signing before the start of the season.
A new look midfield
Arsenal's only notable departure this season has been Granit Xhaka, who moved to Bayer Leverkusen for £25m. Their other defensive midfielder from last season, Thomas Partey, could also be heading for the exit door for a reported fee of up to £50m. If the Ghanian was to leave, Mikel Arteta would have to make yet another big money move to replace him.
Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Brighton's Moises Caicedo are both potential transfer targets for The Gunners, although both have been linked elsewhere. Currently, it looks as if Liverpool are the favourites to sign Lavia while Chelsea have just had a £70m bid rejected for Caicedo.
After already winning the battle to sign Rice, if Arsenal could swoop in for either of these players it would really lay down a marker for their League Title ambitions.
Will it work?
After captaining West Ham to UEFA Conference League glory, there is no denying the talent that Rice possesses. A young, technically gifted English player; Arsenal fans can't wait to see the midfielder in action.
The same applies for Jurrien Timber, who had been on the Gunners' radar for a while. The Dutchman is a young, quick, ball-playing centre back; who looks a great fit to partner Gabriel. Last season, part of the reason for Arsenal's downfall was the injury to William Saliba, so it will be reassuring for Arteta to know he has more options in this position.
Kai Havertz may be the only signing Arsenal have made so far that could divide opinion. His time at Chelsea wasn't always sunshine and rainbows, as he was often criticised for his laziness and lack of productivity. However, at a team like Chelsea this was always amplified as their whole team struggled in front of goal last season. In an Arsenal team that is firing on all cylinders, Havertz could quite easily chip in with the same amount of goals as the likes of Saka, Martinelli and Jesus in the upcoming season. Furthermore, the German scored the goal that secured the Champions League title for The Blues, so he's clearly not afraid of the big occasion.
(Arsenal FC, 2023)
There's less than a month to go until Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest but don't be surprised to see even more new additions to this squad before then. Expectations are higher this season, but will Arteta and his squad be able to go one better than last season? Only time will tell...
Have Arsenal spent their money wisely? Will Havertz flop? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
By Alistair Gordon
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