Evaluating every summer signing’s start to life at the Emirates

B White

Evaluating every summer signing’s start to life at the Emirates

By Oscar Maung-Haley

With the transfer window firmly shut for the next few months, it’s time to take a look at all of Arsenal’s summer signings and how they’ve started life at the Emirates.
It should also be noted that we’re not going to mention new arrival Takehiro Tomiyasu…simply because he’s yet to kick a ball!

Ben White

Ben White was the headline signing for Arsenal this summer following his £50m move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
It’s fair to say his start at the Emirates has been a rollercoaster. White started the opening day of the season fixture away at newly-promoted Brentford, which saw Arsenal lose 2-0.
On the evening, both White and Pablo Mari were bullied by Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who dominated the pair in the air.
Following the loss to Brentford, White then contracted COVID-19, missing the next three games of Arsenal action.
Given his recent battle with COVID and the shambles that currently surrounds almost all walks of life at the Emirates, White will need some time to find his footing – although some would question why, given the club did spend £50m on him…

Martin Odegaard

M Odegaard

Similarly to White, Martin Odegaard’s signing from Real Madrid absolutely improves Arsenal on paper.
The Norwegian maestro returned to the Emirates following his half-season loan during the last campaign, making his second debut for the Gunners in the 6-0 Carabao Cup win over West Brom.
However, on the flip side to the positives of the Carabao, he was also involved in Arsenal’s 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Premier League champions Manchester City – which in recent times has probably been one of the Gunners' most shambolic performances.
Odegaard should be able to be an instant contributor for the Gunners, bringing a level of swagger and confidence with him.
Additionally, while he may also be just 22, Odegaard’s arrival also takes pressure off Emile Smith Rowe’s shoulders to be Arsenal’s sole creative force.
And at around £30m, his signing represents superb market value too.

Aaron Ramsdale

Only Arsenal could spend £24m, which could rise to £30m in add-ons, on a backup keeper that many people don't particularly rate.
But hear me out here – Aaron Ramsdale’s signing isn’t necessarily a bad one.
The former Bournemouth and Sheffield United man kept a clean sheet in his debut against West Brom, and was called into action on multiple occasions.
With where Arsenal are at right now, competition for places can only be a good thing.
If Ramsdale can push Bernd Leno, either taking his spot or forcing the incumbent keeper to up his game – that’s a good thing.
However, people will still question whether £24m on a back-up is a financially prudent signing.

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Signed as potentially one for the future, Albert Sambi Lokonga has been forced into one for the present.
The newly capped Belgian international has been thrown in at the deep end at the Emirates, playing all 90 minutes against Brentford and Chelsea – showing signs of potential but also rawness.
He was spared the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City, but he’ll need to be ready for action after Granit Xhaka was sent off, handing Lokonga a route to solidify himself in the team.

Nuno Tavares

While he played all 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup clash against West Brom, Nuno Tavares has only seen 33 minutes of Premier League action for Arsenal.
He came off the bench against both Brentford and Chelsea and is a versatile defensive option given his ability to play at both left-back and right-back.
If Arsenal’s porous defence continues to ship goals after the international break, he could feature more.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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