The Gunners signed a total of four new players in the summer 2023 transfer window. Arsenal has now played four Premier League matches and is in the first international break of the season. Let’s grade all of Arsenal’s 2023 summer signings.
Arsenal’s 2023 Summer Arrivals: A+ for Declan Rice
Declan Rice is the Gunners’ most expensive signing of all time, arriving at the club for an enormous 105 million pound fee. Despite that, Rice has lived up to the expectations placed on him by that fee. Rice has been one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season.
In four matches, Rice has won two Man of the Match awards and scored a match-winning goal to cap off a brilliant performance against Manchester United. As a result, Rice receives an A+ grade. The fee is immense, but Rice has been a transformational signing for Arsenal so far.
C- for Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz cost the Gunners a maximum of 65 million pounds. His performances have been divisive, largely due to different fans evaluating him as either a midfielder or a forward. Havertz has defended well, worked hard, and won plenty of duels so far for Arsenal.
However, his end product is lacking so far for the Gunners. Havertz had a terrible miss against Manchester United and overall struggled greatly in that game. His errant pass led to United’s only goal of that match, too.
Others might grade Kai Havertz more harshly. However, a C- grade seems about right for Havertz. Hopefully, Havertz will play better for Arsenal once he returns from international duty with Germany.
B for Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber is a difficult signing to assess. Timber cost the Gunners 34 million pounds, with add-ons increasing that fee to 38.5 million pounds. Timber has plenty of potential, but sadly, he suffered an ACL injury in his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.
This is certainly a blow for the Gunners. Despite this, the Timber signing receives a B grade. It is a bit high for a player without Premier League experience, but Timber’s age and potential make it likely that the investment will pay off.
Arsenal’s 2023 Summer Arrivals: B+ for David Raya
Raya has not played a game for Arsenal yet. Raya arrived at the Emirates on a season-long loan for a three million pound loan fee. The deal includes a 27 million pound purchase option, as well.
This deal provides Aaron Ramsdale with serious competition as Arsenal’s number-one goalkeeper. Raya is now likely the best backup goalkeeper in the Premier League, having started for Brentford previously. Additionally, it is a low-risk deal, since Arsenal aren’t required to sign Raya permanently.
This signing receives a B+ grade. It is a good deal, but the purchase option is a bit expensive for a backup goalkeeper.
Arsenal Plays Everton After the Break
The Gunners face Everton at Goodison Park after the end of the current international break. Arsenal seems likely to win that match this time. It is a good bet that Declan Rice will be the Man of the Match against Everton, given the nature of that fixture.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.