Review of Arsenal's summer signings and how they've settled since August

Martin Odegaard made his loan move permanent this summer

Review of Arsenal's summer signings and how they've settled since August

After a disappointing 2020/21 league campaign, change was needed at Arsenal ahead of a new season.
And it was a busy summer in terms of incoming and outgoing players, with six people joining the club on permanent deals.
After 11 games and almost three months of the new league season, how have these summer signings fared?


Nuno Tavares

Tavares wasn’t expected to play a major role this season, largely being signed as Kieran Tierney’s back-up.
The 21-year-old hadn’t seen much first-team action until recently but with Tierney injured, he’s stepped up into the starting XI.
And now Tierney has genuine competition for his place after a string of highly impressive displays by the Portuguese star.
Whether Tavares can stamp his place in Arteta’s line-up remains to be seen, but when called upon he has performed admirably.
Rating: 7/10

Sambi Lokonga

Much like Tavares, Lokonga was largely signed as back-up but has been brought into first team action following Granit Xhaka’s injury.
Lokonga has certainly impressed at times and there is great potential for the future, having put in some eye-catching performances this season already.
However, some naivety showed against Watford where he was not at his best, and he certainly needs time to improve.
He’s not the finished article yet, but there is still time to improve.
Rating: 5.5/10

Ben White

White arrived from Brighton under a huge £50m price tag, and the early signs weren’t encouraging for the 24-year-old.
White looked uncomfortable making his debut in an opening day 2-0 loss to Brentford, and was then sidelined following a positive Covid-19 test.
However White has since settled into the Arsenal defence and now looks much comfortable, in general putting in very solid performances.
There are still some doubts around him and perhaps some vulnerability, but things look to be heading in the right direction.
Rating: 6.5/10

Martin Odegaard

Having spent the second half of last season on loan from Real Madrid, everyone knew what they were getting when the Norwegian joined permanently.
Odegaard impressed last season and has performed consistently since joining permanently, with his free-kick in a 1-0 win over Burnley perhaps the highlight.
However, he has arguably not shone quite as much as the likes of home-grown stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe.
It’s been a good start to the season for Odegaard, but he’ll hope to make more of an impact.
Rating: 6.5/10

Aaron Ramsdale

Eyebrows were raised when Ramsdale - the man in between the sticks for doomed Sheffield United last season - joined in the summer.
Yet if anyone has silenced doubters this season it is Ramsdale, who has become the club’s No.1 and has consistently impressed.
He has shown a composure beyond his relative inexperience since joining, with a stunning save in the 2-0 win against Leicester City perhaps the highlight.
There were one or two signs of nerves for the first time against Watford at the weekend, but overall it’s been a very strong start to Arsenal life for the 23-year-old.
Rating: 8/10

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Arsenal’s defensive fragilities have faded in recent matches, and that is largely down due to the arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japanese star came under huge hype from Bologna, and has been a rock at the back for the Gunners whenever he has played.
Having turned 23 just a few days ago, Tomiyasu still has plenty of time to improve but his displays are already confident, composed and efficient.
He could become a hugely important player for the club in seasons to come, and has been one of the club’s best players this season.

Rating: 8.5/10

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