Mikel Arteta's most expensive signings

It's now been more than five years since Mikel Arteta was appointed Arsenal manager, with the Spaniard returning the club to the title-challenging side of old.

One criticism of Arteta, however, is that despite spending vast sums of money in his time there, he's not been able to take that final step in delivering the Premier League to the Emirates.

Below, we look at Arteta's most expensive signings.

Transfer fees taken from transfermarkt.co.uk; all fees in Euros.

Declan Rice - €116.6m

A real coup considering Manchester City were widely expected to sign the West Ham man, Arsenal managed to snatch Declan Rice away from their title rivals, albeit for the princely sum of £100m, equalling the record for a British transfer.

Kai Havertz - €75m

With the Gunners looking for reinforcements in attack, Kai Havertz was signed from rivals Chelsea. With his versatility, the German was initially planned to be deployed as an attacking midfielder opposite Martin Odegaard, but has more frequently been used as a centre forward.

Ben White - €58.5m

After impressing hugely at Brighton, Arsenal bolstered their defence with the signing of Ben White. While he plied his trade as a centre-back on the south coast, White was shifted to right-back at the Emirates.

Gabriel Jesus - €52.2m

After the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the start of 2022, Gabriel Jesus was signed from Manchester City in the summer. While the Brazilian's movement and work rate can't be questioned, his prowess in front of goal has always been suspect, with the Brazilian relegated to a squad role after his first campaign where he managed just 11 Premier League goals.

Thomas Partey - €50m

With the Gunners looking for more steel in midfield, Thomas Partey was signed in 2020 from Atletico Madrid. Partey has been a regular member of the side since joining, and his versatility means he has occasionally been asked to fill in at right-back to good effect.

Riccardo Calafiori - €45m

Impressing for Italy at Euro 2024 on the back of a season in which he was named in Serie A's Team of the Year, Riccardo Calafiori was snapped up by Arsenal last summer.

Able to play at left-back or centre-back, the Italian has been hampered by injuries in his maiden campaign, but his technical and mental abilities will make him a crucial squad member for years to come.

Jurrien Timber - €40m

Signed as a versatile player who could play all across the back line and drift into midfield, Jurrien Timber's debut at Arsenal ended in a severe knee injury that kept him out for almost the entirety of his maiden campaign.

The Dutchman has bounced back strongly, however, and has been a key part of Arteta's plans in the 24/25 season.

Martin Odegaard - €35m

Undoubtedly the biggest coup on this list, Martin Odegaard was snapped up by Arsenal after an impressive loan spell. The move to Real Madrid didn't work out as planned with the Gunners being the beneficiaries, signing the Norwegian for just €35m, where he's been a vital member of the side ever since.

Fabio Vieira - €35m

There was little doubting of Fabio Vieira's technical abilities when signing from Porto, but the Portuguese seemed to struggle to adapt to the physicality of English football and has been limited to a bit-part role before being sent back on loan to his former club.

Oleksandr Zinchenko - €35m

With Arsenal looking for more depth at left-back, and Manchester City looking to move Oleksandr Zinchenko on, the Ukrainian signed for Arteta's Arsenal in 2022. While Zinchenko was a regular for his first 18 months at the club, he's been limited to fewer appearances since.