

Mikel Arteta’s 18 Arsenal transfers ranked - from worst to best and photos of memorable moments
All 18 of Mikel Arteta’s transfers at Arsenal ranked from worst to best
It has been almost three years since Mikel Arteta put pen-to-paper and returned to the Emirates Stadium as Unai Emery’s replacement. The Spaniard spent five years of his playing career with Arsenal and had most recently won two Premier League titles as Manchester City’s assistant coach.
Despite his success alongside Pep Guardiola, Arsenal fans had doubts about Arteta’s appointment and it look a long time to accept the ‘process’ that he had promised. While they missed out on a top four spot last season, the Gunners have been exceptional this time round and will be aiming for their first league title since 2004. Arteta made some brilliant signings over the summer to get them across the line to make them a real challenge for the likes of City and Liverpool - though he certainly hasn’t always been as savvy in the transfer market.
Arsenal have spent almost £350 million since Arteta arrived at the club and some of the transfers haven’t been quite as high quality as others. While the former midfielder will be remembered for the most recent transfer window, we take a look at all 18 signings that he has made and have ranked them from worst to best...

1. Willian
Arsenal came under a lot of criticism for signing Willian following his release from Chelsea. The Brazilian scored only one goal in 35 appearances for the Gunners before leaving the club by mutual consent.

2. Runar Alex Runarsson
The Iceland international joined Arsenal as a back-up keeper and he never became anything more than that. Runarsson made six appearances for the Gunners before jetting off on loan spells with OH Leuven and Alanyaspor.

3. Cedric Soares
A particularly underwhelming transfer in the first place, Cedric certainly hasn’t lit up the Emirates Stadium since he arrived from Southampton. The defender has often been used as cover for injuries to Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

4. Pablo Mari
After a brief loan spell, Mari joined Arsenal permanently in 2020. The defender spent six months out injured and has only made 14 appearances in the Premier League over the last three seasons.