Arsenal are now preparing to unveil their big summer signing, after agreeing a fee in the region of £45million for Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.
The former Manchester City man has scored 58 Premier League goals in 159 matches ,and is the one who has been tasked to lead the Gunners back to Champions Leaguefootball next season and beyond.
Before his arrival, Edu and Mikel Arteta had convinced Eddie Nketiah to sign a new deal, beating off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace and Everton to secure the future of the highly-rated English forward.
They also signed promising Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira, but it is the arrival of Gabriel Jesus that excites fans and promises to be the difference for the coming campaign.
The fee, in the region of £45m, continues to generate debate with most fans admitting it was a bargain given his quality, but a small majority think it’s on the high side given he had only a season left on his deal.
This is not the first time that the Gunners have had to pay heavy for one of Europe’s big boys, having spent almost £70m on Nicolas Pepe back in 2019.
The likes of Mesut Ozil and recently Thomas Partey have not come cheap but have been a success, however not all big money signings have delivered.
Some have been massive hits while others have struggled to live up expectations for various reasons.
So with Gabriel Jesus about to begin his own journey at Arsenal, here are 10 of the most expensive signings in the history of the club ranked from worst to best.
1. Gabriel Jesus - £45m
The Brazilian is reported to have signed a five-year deal for a £45m upfront payment that could rise, but Arsenal fans will hope that it is all worth it in the end. Where will he rank on this list when he’s finished his career. | Getty Images
2. Nicolas Pepe - £68m
The club’s record signing for £68m and its fair to say his time at the club hasn’t been a success so far. The biggest flop in modern Arsenal history. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
3. William Saliba - £24m
Hailed as the next big thing to come out of France, Saliba was signed £24m but was sent back on loan shortly after joining the Gunners. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Shkodran Mustafi - £35m
The German centre-back joined Arsenal in 2016 for £35m and had some good games, but he never really convinced every one. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images