The Premier League’s most regrettable acquisitions in Arsenal’s history.

Recent successes for Arsenal can be attributed to improved recruitment, bringing in players who fit the system and have versatility within the squad. The club has a history of poor signings, with many players failing to make an impact during their time at Arsenal. Notable recent signings have also been disappointing, with their high transfer fees not matching their on-field performances. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is making a strong comeback in the 2022/23 season, aiming for their first Premier League title in almost two decades, with their last triumph dating back to Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincible’ season of 2003/04.

One significant factor in Arteta’s success is the substantial improvement in recruitment over recent years, with players being selected to fit the system and capable of playing multiple roles within the squad at the Emirates.

This hasn’t always been the case at the club, and the quality of transfers played a part in their decline from being a top side to missing out on Champions League football. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 worst Arsenal signings, most of which occurred between 2004 and 2023:

10. Park Chu-young spent three years at Arsenal but played only seven minutes of league football.
9. Alberto Mendez had a forgettable five-year stay, making just 11 appearances.
8. Igors Stepanovs had a nightmare spell and departed in 2004.
7. Amaury Bischoff played only one league game and was moved on within a year.
6. Kim Källström had a short, injury-plagued loan spell at Arsenal.
5. Sebastian Squillaci struggled during his time at the club, especially in the early 2010s.
4. Andre Santos was a puzzling signing as a left-back and is remembered for swapping shirts with Van Persie.
3. Francis Jeffers struggled in front of goal, scoring only eight goals in 39 appearances.
2. Shkodran Mustafi started well but became a liability, eventually leaving in 2021.
1. Nicolas Pepe, a club-record signing, failed to live up to expectations and was eventually sent out on loan before moving to Besiktas.

This list highlights some of Arsenal’s most regrettable signings over the years.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*