Arsenal's most expensive signings ever as January transfer window opens

Gone are the days when Arsenal had to count every penny - a hallmark of the Arsene Wenger era after the move to the Emirates Stadium left the North London club carrying significant debt.

Now arguably in the healthiest financial position in their history, the Gunners have shown little reluctance to spend heavily, and the summer of 2025 was no exception.

More than £250m was invested in seven new arrivals, four of whom immediately entered the club’s all-time top-10 most expensive signings, with Noni Madueke ninth, Viktor Gyokeres sixth, Eberechi Eze fifth and Martin Zubimendi fourth.

With such vast expenditure already committed, the hierarchy could be forgiven for overseeing a quiet winter window that featured only a couple of exits, influenced partly by Financial Fair Play considerations and Mikel Arteta’s wealth of squad depth.

Whether that subdued mid-season approach will impact their title ambitions remains uncertain, but here Sports Mole counts down Arsenal’s 10 record signings of all time.

10. Alexandre Lacazette - £45.1m

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From: Lyon

Date: July 5, 2017

Age at the time: 26

Arsenal appearances: 206

Arsenal goals: 71

Honours at Arsenal

• FA Cup (1): 2019-20
• Community Shield (1): 2017

9. Noni Madueke - £48m

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From: Chelsea

Date: July 19, 2025

Age at the time: 23

Honours at Arsenal

None

8. Ben White - £49.8m

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From: Brighton & Hove Albion

Date: July 30, 2021

Age at the time: 23

Honours at Arsenal

• Community Shield (1): 2023

7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - £54.2m

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From: Borussia Dortmund

Date: January 31, 2018

Age at the time: 28

Arsenal appearances: 163

Arsenal goals: 92

Honours at Arsenal

• FA Cup (1): 2019-20
• Community Shield (1): 2020

6. Viktor Gyokeres - £57.5m

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From: Sporting Lisbon

Date: July 26, 2025

Age at the time: 27

Honours at Arsenal

None

5. Eberechi Eze - £60.4m

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From: Crystal Palace

Date: August 23, 2025

Age at the time: 27

Honours at Arsenal

None

4. Martin Zubimendi - £60.5m

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From: Martin Zubimendi

Date: July 6, 2025

Age at the time: 26

Honours at Arsenal

None

3. Kai Havertz - £63.8m

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From: Chelsea

Date: July 1, 2023

Age at the time: 24

Honours at Arsenal

• Community Shield (1): 2023

2. Nicolas Pepe - £68m

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From: Lille

Date: August 1, 2019

Age at the time: 24

Arsenal appearances: 112

Arsenal goals: 27

Honours at Arsenal

• FA Cup (1): 2019-20
• Community Shield (1): 2020

1. Declan Rice - £99.2m

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From: West Ham United

Date: July 15, 2023

Age at the time: 24

Honours at Arsenal

• Community Shield (1): 2023