Arsenal Summer 2022 Transfer Window Review
As ever in the close of one football season to another football clubs will look to strengthen their teams with new recruits and that is no different for Arsenal. Finishing fifth it was clear that reinforcments were needed if a place in the Champions League was to be acheived. Here I look to break down all arrivals and the majority departures (with some of the academy loans also discussed but not every release and loan out as some have never had an impact on the first team) that Arsenal have made during the transfer window, where I think they'll play and my hopes and expecations with a final review once the window slams shut.
Arrivals
Marquinhos - São Paulo - Winger - Undisclosed Fee
Kicking off with the first signing of the window. Young prospect Marquinhos was brought in as one for the future. At only 19 years of age he took to life in Red & White very well at under 23 level scoring in his first two appearences. As of my initial writing the player is still with the club with them seemingly unsure if to keep him or loan him out. I think all being well for Marquinhos he may see himself getting minutes in Europa League and Carabao Cup action if he stays and if that all goes well he may mirror the rapid development of Martinelli. It is clear that Arteta does not favour Pepe and with Nelson out injured it may be the right move to keep Marquinhos.
Fábio Vieira - Porto - Attacking Midfielder - £29.9m
A move that happened almost out of nowhere if you ask at lot of Arsenal fans that is the move which creates the most intrigue. Fábio can play in a host of positions be it in central midfield, as a number 10 or on the wings a versitle player who made his mark for Porto when Luis Diaz left for Liverpool in January. At only 22 I feel Vieira could prove a great buy my only reservations is his lack of pre season due to injury, he needs minutes before he can fully shine but I expect his quality to shine through in the end, the like of Smith-Rowe and Ødegaard in the 8/10 role and he could even move Smith-Rowe out to the wing on a more full time basis but this is a wait and see but I have high hopes.
A move that happened almost out of nowhere if you ask at lot of Arsenal fans that is the move which creates the most intrigue. Fábio can play in a host of positions be it in central midfield, as a number 10 or on the wings a versitle player who made his mark for Porto when Luis Diaz left for Liverpool in January. At only 22 I feel Vieira could prove a great buy my only reservations is his lack of pre season due to injury, he needs minutes before he can fully shine but I expect his quality to shine through in the end, the like of Smith-Rowe and Ødegaard in the 8/10 role and he could even move Smith-Rowe out to the wing on a more full time basis but this is a wait and see but I have high hopes.
Matt Turner - New England Revolution - Goalkeeper - Undisclosed Fee
Being brought in the replace the outgoing Bernd Leno as Arsenal's number two goalkeeper you feel that Matt Turner will need to bide his time before making an impact with the new Arsenal number 1 and 3rd place in the player of the season poll for the club Aaron Ramsdale continues to cement his place and the first choice and a strong fans favourite. He looked shaky in his debut against FC Nürnberg but I think that can be put down to nerves, as an Arsenal fan it must've been a moment that came with big worry, I feel he did get better more minutes he played. The bit of rest he has had atm going almost straight from MLS to Arsenal pre season with no break must take a lot of of someone so not playing may help his adjustment for the moment. Expect to see him in Europa League and Carabao Cup action but seems like he will be a solid enough back up.
Being brought in the replace the outgoing Bernd Leno as Arsenal's number two goalkeeper you feel that Matt Turner will need to bide his time before making an impact with the new Arsenal number 1 and 3rd place in the player of the season poll for the club Aaron Ramsdale continues to cement his place and the first choice and a strong fans favourite. He looked shaky in his debut against FC Nürnberg but I think that can be put down to nerves, as an Arsenal fan it must've been a moment that came with big worry, I feel he did get better more minutes he played. The bit of rest he has had atm going almost straight from MLS to Arsenal pre season with no break must take a lot of of someone so not playing may help his adjustment for the moment. Expect to see him in Europa League and Carabao Cup action but seems like he will be a solid enough back up.
Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City - Striker - £45m
The key transfer target of the summer, a striker was needed with Lacazette leaving and Aubameyang having left someone who would help to put the ball in the net was needed and boy did they get one. Arsenal's style of play requires a striker to drop back at times to help link play in a more fluid motion which Lacazette didn't (and what seemed like he couldn't) do which is why he lost his place. Jesus for the brief time he has been an Arsenal player has shown this and more (for reference this part is being written a few days post the Arsenal win against Leicester) and with Jesus already scoring the same amount of goals as Lacazette did from open play all of last year it seems a massive upgrade. The team feels better with him in it and may go down as the best signing of the summer.
The key transfer target of the summer, a striker was needed with Lacazette leaving and Aubameyang having left someone who would help to put the ball in the net was needed and boy did they get one. Arsenal's style of play requires a striker to drop back at times to help link play in a more fluid motion which Lacazette didn't (and what seemed like he couldn't) do which is why he lost his place. Jesus for the brief time he has been an Arsenal player has shown this and more (for reference this part is being written a few days post the Arsenal win against Leicester) and with Jesus already scoring the same amount of goals as Lacazette did from open play all of last year it seems a massive upgrade. The team feels better with him in it and may go down as the best signing of the summer.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - Manchester City - Left Back/Central Midfielder - £30m
Another Manchester City man made the move to London with a need to have competition for Tiereny at Left Back it was decided the sign Zinchenko. A player known for his versatility it was expected that Zinchenko would provide a strength in depth in both left back position where Tiereny had injury problems but also in the box to box role largely occupied by Xhaka. In the first few games he has provided solid cover at left back both in attack and defence. Above all else Zinchenko represents quality in depth which hurt Arsenal last season. I am interested to see how Zinchenko works in midfield while he drifts into that position at time while Xhaka drifts into the space he vacates. Zinchenko is another solid buy and from what we have seen in the opening few weeks he has a strong desire and leadership qualities to carry the team forward (I do find it odd Jesus is in the key leadership group over him when Zinchenko captains his national team but that's a minor confusion on my end).
Another Manchester City man made the move to London with a need to have competition for Tiereny at Left Back it was decided the sign Zinchenko. A player known for his versatility it was expected that Zinchenko would provide a strength in depth in both left back position where Tiereny had injury problems but also in the box to box role largely occupied by Xhaka. In the first few games he has provided solid cover at left back both in attack and defence. Above all else Zinchenko represents quality in depth which hurt Arsenal last season. I am interested to see how Zinchenko works in midfield while he drifts into that position at time while Xhaka drifts into the space he vacates. Zinchenko is another solid buy and from what we have seen in the opening few weeks he has a strong desire and leadership qualities to carry the team forward (I do find it odd Jesus is in the key leadership group over him when Zinchenko captains his national team but that's a minor confusion on my end).
William Saliba - Centre Back
I had doubts about listing Saliba here but after his string of performances I’d be remised not to mention him. When Arsene Wenger use to talk about Diaby or Denilson returning from injury he always likened it to ‘a new signing’ which use to annoy me. However, the same logic being applied here to Saliba returning from loan causes me no such issue. Last seasons Ligue 1 young player of the year joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been away on loan moves ever since. What it has meant is he has had consistent game time and returns now a more mature player and a senior France international. Saliba looks steady on the ball and has good defensive awareness, his own goal looking like a blip on a great resume of appearances with a great goal against Bournemouth. His ability means Ben White can play at Right Back if needed should Tomiyasu be injured or returning to full fitness something which impacted Arsenal a lot last year. Not only does Saliba help improve Arsenal quality in central defence he helps when it comes to giving us options of using quality players elsewhere if needed.
I had doubts about listing Saliba here but after his string of performances I’d be remised not to mention him. When Arsene Wenger use to talk about Diaby or Denilson returning from injury he always likened it to ‘a new signing’ which use to annoy me. However, the same logic being applied here to Saliba returning from loan causes me no such issue. Last seasons Ligue 1 young player of the year joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been away on loan moves ever since. What it has meant is he has had consistent game time and returns now a more mature player and a senior France international. Saliba looks steady on the ball and has good defensive awareness, his own goal looking like a blip on a great resume of appearances with a great goal against Bournemouth. His ability means Ben White can play at Right Back if needed should Tomiyasu be injured or returning to full fitness something which impacted Arsenal a lot last year. Not only does Saliba help improve Arsenal quality in central defence he helps when it comes to giving us options of using quality players elsewhere if needed.
Depatures (Permanent)
Matteo Guendouzi - Marseille - Central Midfielder - £9m
When it comes to Guendouzi you feel Arsenal short changes themselves when it came to the fee they put in the previous loan clause. Issues with Arteta meant his days were numbered, a shame for a player who has talent but sometimes his temperament has let him down (including recent reports of an altercation with new Marseille boss in pre season). A sell on clause could help Arsenal massively in the future but I think that all comes down to Guendouzi himself, he has the talent to succeed but may end up being his own worst enemy. I think we will look at Guendouzi as a big what if should he grow as a player and get a big move elswhere or as a bullet dodged should he act out and not mature, this is a question we may not get answered for a number of years.
Alexandre Lacazette - Lyon - Striker - Contract Expiry
After 5 years at the club Lacazette saw his contract come to an end and headed back to former club Lyon. Performances for the French striker had declined seeing his starting place go in favour of Eddie Nketiah. Never hitting the heights expected it was the right time for Lacazette to leave. His departure means Gabriel Jesus can come in as Arsenal’s number 9 and Lacazette gets a return home. All in all a deal which works out to the benefit of all involved. It does have to be stated that Lacazette's performances had dropped massivly, he wasn't making the runs into the box nor was he scoring. In general his lack of game effecting movement hurt Arsenal in the end and you have to feel the writing was on the wall for several month to the end of his Arsenal career. As said earlier this was the right decision for all parties and you can see Jesus add so much more to the team and just shows what we missed.
After 5 years at the club Lacazette saw his contract come to an end and headed back to former club Lyon. Performances for the French striker had declined seeing his starting place go in favour of Eddie Nketiah. Never hitting the heights expected it was the right time for Lacazette to leave. His departure means Gabriel Jesus can come in as Arsenal’s number 9 and Lacazette gets a return home. All in all a deal which works out to the benefit of all involved. It does have to be stated that Lacazette's performances had dropped massivly, he wasn't making the runs into the box nor was he scoring. In general his lack of game effecting movement hurt Arsenal in the end and you have to feel the writing was on the wall for several month to the end of his Arsenal career. As said earlier this was the right decision for all parties and you can see Jesus add so much more to the team and just shows what we missed.
Omari Hutchinson - Chelsea - Attacking Midfield - Undisclose Fee
A move out of nowhere, Omari Hutchinson did not get the wages he wanted from Arsenal so moved across London to Chelsea. This was a move that shocked me I can only imagine his demands were deemed unreasonable for his current level but still this is a sad move. I liked Omari he had potential which has been spotted at a good level leading up to a senior international cap with Jamaica. We may never know the heights Omari could reach I imagine Chelsea may be even more difficult for him to break into the first team but we will see. If all else fails Arsenal have a sell on clause so should see some decent money come in if Chelsea do sell him at a later point.
A move out of nowhere, Omari Hutchinson did not get the wages he wanted from Arsenal so moved across London to Chelsea. This was a move that shocked me I can only imagine his demands were deemed unreasonable for his current level but still this is a sad move. I liked Omari he had potential which has been spotted at a good level leading up to a senior international cap with Jamaica. We may never know the heights Omari could reach I imagine Chelsea may be even more difficult for him to break into the first team but we will see. If all else fails Arsenal have a sell on clause so should see some decent money come in if Chelsea do sell him at a later point.
Bernd Leno - Fulham - Goalkeeper - £8m
Having lost his place in the starting eleven Bernd Leno departes across London for Fulham. A model professional who never came out complaining about his lack of game time but with a world cup coming up and a year left on his deal it made sense for him to leave. Matt Turner fills in as the back up goalkeeper, Arsenal take a reporeted £100,000 a week off the wage bill and Fulham get a quality player who may be the reason they stay up. While a larger transfer team would've been hoped a player only wanting a club in London and year left on his deal it limits what can be done, providing all add ons are reached £8m is good but I imagine the big wage off the books helps ease this more.
Having lost his place in the starting eleven Bernd Leno departes across London for Fulham. A model professional who never came out complaining about his lack of game time but with a world cup coming up and a year left on his deal it made sense for him to leave. Matt Turner fills in as the back up goalkeeper, Arsenal take a reporeted £100,000 a week off the wage bill and Fulham get a quality player who may be the reason they stay up. While a larger transfer team would've been hoped a player only wanting a club in London and year left on his deal it limits what can be done, providing all add ons are reached £8m is good but I imagine the big wage off the books helps ease this more.
Lucas Torreira - Galatasaray - Central Midfield - Undisclosed Fee
After multiple loan moves in Italy, the homesick Uruguayan heads off the Turkey and Galatasaray. A bit of a weird one where the player must feel annoyed how Fiorentina messed him about but that is an issue for the player and Fiorentina. The right move, a player who never settled at Arsenal and in London for that matter, while he showed flashes of quality in an Arsenal shirt it never seemed to work out between player and club, moving him on frees up space in the squad but you have to wonder how he feels not getting that move to Italy he clearly wanted.
After multiple loan moves in Italy, the homesick Uruguayan heads off the Turkey and Galatasaray. A bit of a weird one where the player must feel annoyed how Fiorentina messed him about but that is an issue for the player and Fiorentina. The right move, a player who never settled at Arsenal and in London for that matter, while he showed flashes of quality in an Arsenal shirt it never seemed to work out between player and club, moving him on frees up space in the squad but you have to wonder how he feels not getting that move to Italy he clearly wanted.
Héctor Bellerín - FC Barcelona - Right Back - Free Transfer
No economic lever needed as Bellerín leaves Arsenal after 11 years to go back to Barcelona. After bursting onto the scene a very bad ACL injury very much hurt Bellerín's chances at Arsenal as he dropped down the pecking order more and more eventually going to Betis. I will always have a soft spot for Bellerín he was a tremendous servant to the club and at his best a key player, I'll always remember his mad dash recovery run at Old Trafford but once he started to get hurt and lose the speed that was so key for him it hurt his chances. Best of luck to him at Barcelona. It was announced post me writing this Bellerín has waved any money Arsenal owe him to make this move, a classy gesture from a great servant to the club.
No economic lever needed as Bellerín leaves Arsenal after 11 years to go back to Barcelona. After bursting onto the scene a very bad ACL injury very much hurt Bellerín's chances at Arsenal as he dropped down the pecking order more and more eventually going to Betis. I will always have a soft spot for Bellerín he was a tremendous servant to the club and at his best a key player, I'll always remember his mad dash recovery run at Old Trafford but once he started to get hurt and lose the speed that was so key for him it hurt his chances. Best of luck to him at Barcelona. It was announced post me writing this Bellerín has waved any money Arsenal owe him to make this move, a classy gesture from a great servant to the club.
Depatures (Loans)
Marcelo Flores - Real Oviedo - Attacking Midfield
One of the most exciting youth players for Arsenal the Mexican international gets his first taste of senior football with Real Oviedo in the Spanish second division. From the glimpses I have seen of him he has talent but senior football was needed, I feel he's just a step or two below the level needed to be part of a Europa League squad (depending on the group stage draw) so this may help him learn in a way youth football doesn't. Time will tell with Flores a raw but exciting prospect for Arsenal this season could really help shape his career.
One of the most exciting youth players for Arsenal the Mexican international gets his first taste of senior football with Real Oviedo in the Spanish second division. From the glimpses I have seen of him he has talent but senior football was needed, I feel he's just a step or two below the level needed to be part of a Europa League squad (depending on the group stage draw) so this may help him learn in a way youth football doesn't. Time will tell with Flores a raw but exciting prospect for Arsenal this season could really help shape his career.
Nuno Tavares - Marseille - Left Back
Nuno is an interesting player. In the span of five minutes he could go from looking world class to disastrous it is so odd, I've never seen a player like him in that regard. The signing of Zinchenko means game time for Nuno will be limited this season at Arsenal so a spell of consistent playing time away from the club may help him down the line. If the idea is for Zinchenko to play midfield more than left back you can see why Nuno would be needed in the future he just needs to find a level of consitency minute to minute and then game to game which you'd hope this loan spell does.
Nuno is an interesting player. In the span of five minutes he could go from looking world class to disastrous it is so odd, I've never seen a player like him in that regard. The signing of Zinchenko means game time for Nuno will be limited this season at Arsenal so a spell of consistent playing time away from the club may help him down the line. If the idea is for Zinchenko to play midfield more than left back you can see why Nuno would be needed in the future he just needs to find a level of consitency minute to minute and then game to game which you'd hope this loan spell does.
Folarin Balogun - Reims - Striker
Balogun is a great prospect who struggled to score at a consistent level at Middlesbrough ao will try his hand in France at Reims. I'm not sure the differences but it looks from the information (which isn't a lot) that Reims play with one main striker as opposed to Boro who used 2 normally pairing Balogun up with Aaron Connolly or Duncan Watmore so playing up front by himself is more like how Arsenal set out which may help his overall understanding and positional play. At the time of writing this Balogun has played three and scored in each game becoming the 1st Reims player to score in each of his 1st 3 appearances since Jacques Vergnes in August 1975. If his start is this good you just hope it continues.
Balogun is a great prospect who struggled to score at a consistent level at Middlesbrough ao will try his hand in France at Reims. I'm not sure the differences but it looks from the information (which isn't a lot) that Reims play with one main striker as opposed to Boro who used 2 normally pairing Balogun up with Aaron Connolly or Duncan Watmore so playing up front by himself is more like how Arsenal set out which may help his overall understanding and positional play. At the time of writing this Balogun has played three and scored in each game becoming the 1st Reims player to score in each of his 1st 3 appearances since Jacques Vergnes in August 1975. If his start is this good you just hope it continues.
Charlie Patino - Blackpool - Central Midfield
A real starboy and one many Arsenal fans hold in high regard. Charlie Patino goes out on loan for consistent football. Patino had two games last year his debut goal against Sunderland and a difficult time against Nottingham Forrest. Patino is a player full of quality and that is easy to see however the one issue a lot of fans had was his physicality which seems to have imporved in pre season but will no doubt be something worked on throughout the season with how physical some championship teams play it will be a big season of learning for Patino but this time next year I expect to be speaking about how he will be challenging for a spot in the Arsenal team.
A real starboy and one many Arsenal fans hold in high regard. Charlie Patino goes out on loan for consistent football. Patino had two games last year his debut goal against Sunderland and a difficult time against Nottingham Forrest. Patino is a player full of quality and that is easy to see however the one issue a lot of fans had was his physicality which seems to have imporved in pre season but will no doubt be something worked on throughout the season with how physical some championship teams play it will be a big season of learning for Patino but this time next year I expect to be speaking about how he will be challenging for a spot in the Arsenal team.
Pablo Mari - Monza - Centre Back
Pablo Mari returns to Italy this year with Monza. Fifth in the pecking order when it comes to being a centre back and you could argue that Reuell Walters would even be ahead of him in the pecking order. I don't rate Mari much and would've preferred a permanent deal but at least Monza are covering his wages. A clause is in the deal for a permanent deal if they stay up, you'd hope they do (being bottom of the table after 2 games doesn't help) but if it all goes wrong you hope Mari has a good year and attracts some interest.
Pablo Mari returns to Italy this year with Monza. Fifth in the pecking order when it comes to being a centre back and you could argue that Reuell Walters would even be ahead of him in the pecking order. I don't rate Mari much and would've preferred a permanent deal but at least Monza are covering his wages. A clause is in the deal for a permanent deal if they stay up, you'd hope they do (being bottom of the table after 2 games doesn't help) but if it all goes wrong you hope Mari has a good year and attracts some interest.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy - Rotherham - Right Back
Exciting prospect Brooke Norton-Cuffy signed a new long term deal with Arsenal before departing on loan this time for a championship club. Taking a surprising step away from youth football to join Lincoln City for the second half of last year Brooke does seem a very ambitious talent not wanting to play it safe in his development which has to be respect. Being named Arsenal’s scholar of the year and also winning UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the summer you feel the sky is the limit. I personally put him as one of the biggest prospect at Arsenal (with Flores, Patino & Lino Sousa) and I will be watching his season with great interest.
Exciting prospect Brooke Norton-Cuffy signed a new long term deal with Arsenal before departing on loan this time for a championship club. Taking a surprising step away from youth football to join Lincoln City for the second half of last year Brooke does seem a very ambitious talent not wanting to play it safe in his development which has to be respect. Being named Arsenal’s scholar of the year and also winning UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the summer you feel the sky is the limit. I personally put him as one of the biggest prospect at Arsenal (with Flores, Patino & Lino Sousa) and I will be watching his season with great interest.
Nicolas Pépé - Nice - Winger
Oh Pépé. A player worth at most 40 million signed for a ridiculous fee he could not live up to. Pépé get the assist in the FA Cup final but has flattered to deceive a lot as other players have developed past him which is why he could not get game time, he looked great at times but bad at others a real shame for a player who has the talent but it just didn't work out. You hope a move back to France will help him find some confidence which will either lead to a sale or for him to play for Arsenal but if Arsenal switch to 4-3-3 with Smith-Rowe plating on the wing and if Marquinhos burst onto the scene like Martinelli did then Pépé may find a return to the Arsenal team even more difficult.
Oh Pépé. A player worth at most 40 million signed for a ridiculous fee he could not live up to. Pépé get the assist in the FA Cup final but has flattered to deceive a lot as other players have developed past him which is why he could not get game time, he looked great at times but bad at others a real shame for a player who has the talent but it just didn't work out. You hope a move back to France will help him find some confidence which will either lead to a sale or for him to play for Arsenal but if Arsenal switch to 4-3-3 with Smith-Rowe plating on the wing and if Marquinhos burst onto the scene like Martinelli did then Pépé may find a return to the Arsenal team even more difficult.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - Southamption - Right Back/Left Back/Midfielder
Maitland-Niles leaves on loan a player that never reached the true potential. The player normally used as a full back who always felt he should be in midfield never really settled to a true position. He will be hoping to play in midfield but will be best to remember he got in the England squad as a full back. A good move as I do not feel he will get near the Arsenal team so a good move. I couldn't find out if this deal also has an option to be made permanent but it may be the best case for him to leave and join a team which he can play week in and week out.
Maitland-Niles leaves on loan a player that never reached the true potential. The player normally used as a full back who always felt he should be in midfield never really settled to a true position. He will be hoping to play in midfield but will be best to remember he got in the England squad as a full back. A good move as I do not feel he will get near the Arsenal team so a good move. I couldn't find out if this deal also has an option to be made permanent but it may be the best case for him to leave and join a team which he can play week in and week out.
Conclusion
In the end this transfer window measured alone on imporving the team is good. Arsenal needed a striker and depth at left back and midfield and have seemingly done this. However, with all the outgoings you feel Arsenal are weak in depth especially at right wing and will be hopking for minimal injuries until January or a miraculous breakthrough to the first team of a younger player like Matt Smith to cover midfielder or for Marquinhos to take to the premier league with little issue to cover for a lack of depth. I have felt that with a winter world cup January could be another summer transfer window in terms of mass spending in which I can see some players with deals with 6 months remaining being sold cheaper. Arsenal have been linked with a January move for Danilo from Palmeiras but we are 12 premier league games away from this transfer window, what happens will all depend on what happens between now and then but for me this window has inproved the Arsenal core team but has also weakened a large amount of depth.
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