Arsenal have gained a reputation over the years for not spending very much money on transfers. However, it seems that in the last couple of years Arsene Wenger has been more than willing to splash the cash should the right player turn up. Seeing as the club are starting to spend a bit more money, let’s have a look at Arsenal’s most expensive XI ever.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech – £10.9 million
In goal is Arsenal new boy Petr Cech. He recently signed for a fee of around £10.9 million and as such becomes Arsenal’s most expensive goalkeeper ever. He offers the squad a completely different dynamic to the other keepers; a winning mentality, a sense of order and calm in front of goal which the club has lacked since Jens Lehmann.
Right Back: Calum Chambers – £16 million
Chambers joined the Gunners from Southampton at the beginning of last season for an estimated fee of £16 million which seemed like a very steep figure at the time. However, after a dazzling start to last season it was clear that he has the potential to be a quality player. Bought as a right back it is apparent that Chambers’ future lies at centre back due to his lack of pace and excellent reading of the game. If Calum can correct his Achilles heel of gaining yellow cards in every game he plays, he should have a very bright and prosperous future at Arsenal.
Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny – £10 million
When he first signed for Arsenal there were huge questions over the price and capabilities, with the Frenchman being relatively unknown. Yet as always, Wenger knows best and Koscielny, over the past few years has proven to be one of, if not the best centre back at Arsenal since the days of Sol Campbell. Bar the Capital One Cup final mistake, Koscielny has become the rock in the Arsenal team, often making up for the mistakes of other players and is surely one of the first names on the team sheet.
Centre Back: Gabriel Paulista – £11.2 million
When Gabriel signed for Arsenal, the club had been crying out for a backup to Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, whom fans were praying wouldn’t get injured. At the time of his signing, he was unknown in England and as such his fee seemed very high. Since signing it became apparent that his abilities somewhat live up to his price tag after a few calm and assured performances. It seems his future at the club is to be Mertesacker’s long-term replacement.
Left Back: Nacho Monreal – £10 million
Nacho Monreal joined Arsenal two seasons ago and at the time seemed like a panic buy due to the lack of signings. His first season was underwhelming and never really displaced Kieran Gibbs. However, last season he really broke onto the scene. With thanks to yet another injury to Gibbs, Monreal started most of the season and was crucial in the FA Cup run thanks to his calm finish at the near post against Manchester United in the quarter final.
Central Midfield: Santi Cazorla – £15 million
Santi Cazorla joined Arsenal the season that RVP left which was bad news for the Dutchman because Santi played out of his skin that season, narrowly missing out on PFA Team of the Season, but earning a host of man of the match awards. In recent times he is arguably Arsenal’s most important player because he marked the change in fortunes for the club. Since his arrival, Arsenal have won 2 FA Cups and the Community Shield as well as capturing marquee signings like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Arsenal fans all over love Santi not just for that, but also his enjoyment of the game.
Central Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – £15 million
The Ox is a firm fan favourite at Arsenal and for good reason. He is a great character in the dressing room and a fantastic player on the pitch. Listed here as a central midfielder because he couldn’t be left out of this list, and with a man of the match performance from the middle against Liverpool it is clear he can play there comfortably. He has shown on numerous occasions that he has the ability to play for the Arsenal, he just needs to overcome his injuries and will no doubt be a standout player.
Central Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil – £42.5 million
Mesut Ozil has become something of a scapegoat for the English media after he failed to live up to his hefty price tag in his first season. However, over the last season he has begun to repay that price tag with exceptional performances and appears to be close to his Real Madrid form once again. Being Arsenal’s most expensive signing ever was always going to be a heavy weight for him to bear, initially he appeared overwhelmed by it, thankfully he is beginning to shed his shell and is slowly turning into the assist king that he is known to be.
Right Attacking Midfield: Andrey Arshavin – £15 million
When he first signed for Arsenal, Arshavin was a national hero, having helped Russia with numerous goals and assists at Euro 2008. Competition for his signature was tough but Arsenal managed to secure it, making him at the time, Arsenal’s most expensive player. At first he seemed a perfect fit for the Gunners and was living up to his price tag, but as time went by he grew lazy and as such ended up on the bench and was eventually sold back to Zenit. Although his time in London didn’t work out, every Gunner will remember his legendary goal against Barcelona that helped to beat them at the Emirates, as well as the four goal haul against Liverpool.
Left Attacking Midfield: Alexis Sanchez – £35 million
Alexis Sanchez has become the new hero at Arsenal FC. He lit up the Emirates with his dazzling performances and spectacular goals and was instrumental in the club’s FA Cup glory.. Being in the running for Player of the Season in your first season isn’t too shabby an achievement either! It is doubtful that Alexis will be displaced from the team any time soon.
Striker: Danny Welbeck – £16 million
This spot would have been reserved for Jose Antonio Reyes, unfortunately not all of the fee was paid because he did not make enough appearances. Welbeck was a surprising signing for Arsenal in that he came from Manchester United and had been with them his entire career. It would not be fair to say that he had a great opening season because in truth it was very disappointing. Eight goals in 34 games isn’t great, however, those goals were very significant. Three came in a hat-trick against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League and another came in the FA Cup against Manchester United to help knock them out. Not too bad.
Do you think this team would do well in the Premier League? Let us know your thoughts.
