Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be aiming for significant additions this summer.
The Gunners are in need of a few signings as they aim to close the gap to previous Premier League title rivals Manchester City. That might be easier said than done given Arsenal's mixed success in the transfer market under Arteta.
Some of the Spaniard’s signings have been more successful than others. In fact, the majority of his early recruits have already left the Emirates four-and-a-half years down the line.
Some of his first five signings remain in the Premier League, but others have faded to obscurity. Take a look at what has happened since:
Pablo Mari
The first signing of the Arteta era at the Emirates, the Spanish centre-back initially joined on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo. Despite making just three appearances across his first six months with the club, Arsenal went ahead with a £7m permanent move.
Mari proved to be a solid if unspectacular option in defence. He went on to accumulate 22 appearances for Arsenal before being allowed to join Udinese on loan.
Mari exited permanently in 2022 to join Monza. He has since helped them to consecutive seasons in Serie A. The defender was involved in a shocking supermarket stabbing incident last year but staged a remarkable recovery to return to the pitch.
Who do you think is Mikel Arteta's best-ever signing? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Cedric
A useful defender, Cedric made his name with Sporting Lisbon before being offered a Premier League chance with Southampton. The Portuguese spent four full seasons in the first-team at St Mary’s.
He joined Inter Milan on loan in 2018, before doing the same with Arsenal a year later. Five appearances was all it took for Cedric to convince he was worth taking a chance on.
Signed on a free transfer, he has made 64 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners . His contract expired this summer and he is currently on the lookout for a new club at 32.
Runar Alex Runarsson
Signed in September 2020, Icelandic stopper Runar Alex Runarsson was intended to provide back-up following his £2m move from Dijon but it did not pan out that way. The now 29-year-old made just six appearances for Arsenal.
Successive loans with OH Leuven, Alanyaspor and Cardiff came and went. He was recalled from the latter in February and saw his contract cancelled by mutual consent. Runarsson then moved to FC Copenhagen on a free transfer but has yet to make his debut for the Danish side.
Willian
A Chelsea veteran, Brazilian winger Willian looked to be a shrewd signing for Arsenal. The Gunners swooped for him after the expiry of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Willian started brightly but faded - eventually contributing just one goal and seven assists across his debut campaign. He saw his contract cancelled after just a year to join Corinthians.
Willian has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the Premier League with Fulham but could be on the move soon. Several Saudi sides have been linked with him.
Gabriel Magalhaes
From one Brazilian to another, Gabriel joined in the summer of 2020 after impressing with French side Lille. Arsenal sealed a £27m deal for his services.
And Gabriel has gone on to prove a terrific signing. He has accumulated 168 appearances for the Gunners. Gabriel proved a key as Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in the race for the Premier League title last term. He has three years remaining on his contract in North London.
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