Arsenal Transfer Window Round-Up | Summer 2020/2021

In what was a roller-coaster ride of a transfer deadline day, Arsenal have come away from the transfer window with a darth of new signings and contract renewals that have put the club in a strong position to compete for a coveted top 4 spot in the premier league 2020/21 campaign. 

There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding this window with finances and future prospects being affected by the global pandemic. Not only was there COVID, but Arsenal had a newly-appointed tandem of Edu and Mikel Arteta leading the lines to strengthen the squad for the first real transfer window of their partnership.

Incomings

Thomas Partey 

Partey is the standout signing and a key addition to Arsenal’s midfield as Arteta looked to bring physicality and athleticism into the Arsenal midfield. A transfer deadline day saga surrounded Arsenal with their pursuit of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal triggered his release clause with less than two hours remaining in the window. To fan delight, Arsenal landed their man and the tenacious midfielder will be ever-present in the middle of the park for Arsenal as an area of the pitch that needed bolstering. 

Gabriel Magalhaes

Brazilian international Gabriel signed from Lille this summer with high praise from the Arsenal scouting staff. Gabriel has come straight in the starting 11 and firmed up the back line with a demanding physical presence and great left-footed passing ability. Originally toted as an understudy to David Luis, Gabriel has benefitted from a long list of CB injuries and has impressed in his opportunities to earn a starting role in the team. Gabriel looks to be a great value signing at 22 years of age and will be a staple of the Arsenal defense for years to come. 

Willian

Willian was in sizzling form last season for Chelsea with their best attacking returns of any member of their squad. Following his best season in the premier league, Arteta convinced him of the Arsenal project and signed him on a free transfer to add speed and attacking presence in the final third. Willian has impressed in his first appearances and should help Pepe to continue to develop. 

Alex Runarsson

With the departure of Emi Martinez to Aston Villa, Arsenal quickly jumped at the chance to sign cover for Leno in someone who could be our future No. 1. Alex Runarsson is a 25-year-old Icelandic International goalkeeper who signed from club Dijon bringing steady hands and international experience to the squad. 

Nikolaj Moller

Another signing for the future, Arsenal signed young striker Nikolaj Moller from Malmo for half a million on deadline day. At 6’6 and nicknamed “Ibra” after the towering prolific striker, Steve Bould will look to develop Moller at the u-23 level this season. He offers some interesting technical ability and a physical presence up top that is lacking in the Arsenal side, so let’s hope he can develop into a player that can become our next target man. 

Omar Rekik

18-year-old wonderkid Omar Rekik signed for Arsenal as part of Matteo Guendouzi’s loan move to Hertha Berlin. For just shy of 1,000,000, Rekik is said to be a quality defender and will look to impress in the u-23 side this season with Steve Bould. 

Outgoings

Henrikh Mkhitaryan 

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was released by the club to free up wage room. 

Emi Martinez

After a standout season, Emi Martinez was sold to Aston Villa in order to seek out first team football and a chance at the Argentina No. 1 shirt. Best of luck to our FA Cup winning goalkeeper of last season!

Konstantinos Mavropanos

Mavropanos went out on loan to German club Stuttgart for the 2020/2021 season.

Matteo Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi was loaned out to Hertha Berlin for the 2020/21 season.

Lucas Torreira

Lucas Torreira was loaned to Atletico Madrid for the 2020/21 season with an option to buy after the conclusion of the season. 

Let’s move on to the importance of locking down key players and breakthrough prospects who penned a long-term deal with the club this window. 

The Re-Signed

Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang

A long-awaited announcement was greeted by heavy celebration after Auba penned a new long-term deal with the club. Arteta was said to be integral in convincing Auba to turn down a potential move to Barcelona as the talisman believes in the project Mikel & Co. have been progressing. 

There is no need to go through Aubamayang’s pedigree - he has been absolutely prolific for the gunners and boasts one of the best goal ates in the league since joining from Dortmund. Arsenal fans everywhere will be thrilled to retain his services for another three years as we build a team around the superstar. 

Bukayo Saka

After a breakthrough season for the young Englishman, Saka has been rewarded with both his first international call-up to the England squad as well as a new long-term deal at Arsenal. Edu stressed the importance of retaining our young talent, and he delivered with the versatile academy prospect who is on the verge of cementing playing time in a starting role at the club. 

Gabriel Martinelli

Arguably the most exciting youth prospect of last season, Martinelli was hampered with a knee injury that put him on the sidelines. That did not stop Edu and company from extending his deal and tying the fantastic teenager to a long-term deal at the club. Seen as a Auba understudy, he can play on the wing or as a striker and has loads of potential to become a future superstar. 

David Luiz

A resurgence in form since Arteta’s arrival at Arsenal saw David Luiz get a 1 year contract extension with the club. He put in critical performances last season during the FA Cup Winning run and will look to continue his rich vein of form in a red shirt this season. 

Pablo Mari

After a few solid games under his belt, Pablo Mari sustained a long-term injury on the sidelines that has kept him out of action for the start of the season. That did not stop Arteta and Edu from extending his contract as they see his qualities to be a valuable squad player. 

Dani Ceballos

Ceballos returned for another year-long loan from Real Madrid as Arteta wanted to strengthen numbers in the center of the pitch. Ceballos was 1st in nearly every statistical category last season and the Spaniards clearly have a fantastic relationship. His hunger and work ethic will provide more cover and quality in the Arsenal midfield throughout the season. 

Mohamed Elneny

Another useful squad player has returned from loan and shown some spark under Arteta in the first part of the 2020/21 season. Despite interest from many sides in Turkey, Arteta has opted to keep Elneny for his stability and presence in the squad. His passing and calm under pressure should prove to be good value in midfield rotation this season.

Cedric Soares

With Kieran Tierney cementing his role in the team and Hector Bellerin’s return to fitness, Arsenal still needed cover on both fronts. Arsenal retained the services of Cedric and the versatile wing-back can provide much-needed depth on both flanks of the defense. 

Summary

For us, Arsenal showed great intent to improve and made some solid deals in a tumultuous transfer market. We have added quality, speed, experience and depth to a squad that looks much more healthy in competition and hungry to challenge for trophies.


How do you rate Arsenal’s transfer window? What do you make of the new signings? Let us know in the comments below!