Arsenal has been one of the Premier League's biggest surprises this season. Nobody anticipated them to fight for the title this season, and others thought they wouldn't even make the top four. But Mikel Arteta has changed everything.
He has now ingrained his philosophy into the north London club, and the signings they made last summer and in the January window have, for the most part, been quite beneficial.
Marquinhos (€3.5m from Sao Paulo) Grade: D
Following his signing to Arsenal, Marquinhos was loaned out to Norwich. There was speculation that he might be on the outskirts of the first-team, but Arteta felt him unfit and sent him to the Championship at the end of the January transfer window. He had only scored once in 11 games for the Norfolk club. He came for a reasonable fee, though, and with only 20 years old, he has potential to develop at the Emirates Stadium.
Matt Turner (€6.4m from New England Revolution) Grade: C
Matt Turner joined the Gunners from the MLS after impressing Gunners scouts. He was brought in to replace Aaron Ramsdale and has made seven appearances for the team this season. Turner has been a solid acquisition, but nothing spectacular. His age of 28 means he is entering his prime years as a custodian, which might offer some resale value if Arsenal decides to sell him.
Jorginho (€11.3m from Chelsea) Grade: B+
Jorginho joined Arsenal after the Gunners were unable to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton during the winter transfer window. The Italian has improved with each passing week, and his performance in Arsenal's 2-0 win against Newcastle demonstrated just how much talent the former Napoli star still possesses. It speaks well for the future, particularly given his immense leadership qualities in the locker room.
Leandro Trossard (€24m from Brighton) Grade: B-
Leandro Trossard was a brilliant signing for Arsenal. A Premier League-proven player who can both assist and score, the Belgian has been a steal for the Gunners. In what was his greatest performance for the club since coming in January, he assisted all three of Arsenal's goals against Fulham. He has only scored one goal in 19 appearances for Arsenal, but he was brought in with the Premier League title in mind - a sort of short-term fix. He will undoubtedly be an important player of the team again next season.
Jakub Kiwior (€24m from Spezia Calcio) Grade: D-
Jakub Kiwior has only made five appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, but that should not detract from his performance. The 23-year-old has a high potential and might become a celebrity in a few years. For the time being, it's a bit of a settling phase - nothing to write home about, but the €24m paid could prove to be a wise investment.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (€35m from Manchester City) Grade: A
Oleksandr Zinchenko appeared to be an understudy at Manchester City, never really making the role his own. But he's had one of his best seasons in the Premier League. Arteta has already worked with the Ukraine international and knew what to expect. Zinchenko has been one of the greatest wingbacks in the Premier League this season, and if he maintains that form next season and beyond, €35 million would appear to be a steal: Man City's loss has been Arsenal's gain.
Fabio Vieira (€35m from Porto) Grade: E+
Fabio Vieira still has a lot to offer, but it hasn't been his best season. Indeed, Vieira has a lot more to offer, especially given his reputation, but his debut season has been a little off. He needs to bulk up and adjust to the Premier League; technically, he is undoubtedly brilliant, but he also needs to add physicality.
Gabriel Jesus (€52.2m from Manchester City) Grade: A-
Gabriel Jesus started his Arsenal career in spectacular manner, but a major injury midway through the season limited his chances of earning the Golden Boot - or perhaps Arsenal winning the Premier League. It was an expensive deal, but it was well worth it for the Gunners. At 26 years old, Jesus still has a lot to offer for his present team, and he will only grow better.
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