Now that the dust has settled on the transfer window, Gooner Daily takes a step back to review how Arsenal performed in the 2024/25 summer transfer window.
Without further ado, here’s my assessment of the transfer window
INCOMING TRANSFERS
David Raya from Brentford
Following his loan spell from Brentford last season, Arsenal signed David Raya from the Bees on a permanent deal, which pretty much cemented his status as the undisputed Number 1 between the sticks. With 16 clean sheets in the previous campaign, Raya began the new season in grand style, keeping two clean sheets against Wolves and Aston Villa. Amazing in claiming crosses, making spectacular saves and very good with his feet, Raya is a perfect fit for Arsenal and the fans are delighted he’s ours for the foreseeable future.
Transfer Rating – 9
Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna
It has been a whirlwind summer for Calafiori, earning a place in the Italian squad for Euro 2024 and signing for Arsenal. Despite the fact that Arsenal were relatively stocked in the left back position with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and even Nuno Tavares adept in that position, the Gunners bought Calafiori to compete with them, as well as provide competition for Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior. He’s young, relatively untested and has a bright future ahead of him, but the jury is still out for him to impress when he gets the opportunities.
Transfer Rating – 6
Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad
With Thomas Partey’s fitness issues and Arsenal’s reluctance to offer him a long term deal, as well as Jorginho currently in the September of his career and probably in his last season with the club, Arsenal signed a duel-winning, agile, technical and energetic midfielder in Merino, an experienced lad that’s already an established international player for his country. Having him in our ranks helps the club transition away from Partey and Jorginho, and I expect him and Declan Rice to be the first choice pairing in central midfield, when he recovers from his shoulder injury.
Transfer Rating – 8
Neto from Bournemouth
The transfer window deadline day in the Premier League saw many teams do a goalkeeper merry-go-round with Aaron Ramsdale joining Southampton, Sam Johnstone joining Wolves, Matt Turner joining Crystal Palace, Kepa Arrizabalaga joining Bournemouth and Neto joining Arsenal. The veteran goalkeeper comes into Arsenal on a season-long loan to provide much needed backup for David Raya and will certainly feature in the domestic cup competitions.
Transfer Rating – 7
Raheem Sterling from Chelsea
For many seasons, Arsenal fans have clamored for a winger that would provide adequate cover for Bukayo Saka, because Reiss Nelson wasn’t simply up to scratch, and he evidently lost Mikel Arteta’s trust. In a transfer we didn’t expect, Arsenal signed the vastly experienced and well-traveled Raheem Sterling from Chelsea to add some impetus to the attack. Adept in both flanks and as a center forward, Sterling is a quality short-term solution to an attack sized hole, and offers us a chance to manage Saka’s minutes.
Transfer Rating – 7
OUTGOING TRANSFERS
Cedric Soares – Out of Contract
Cedric was slowly turning into Arsenal’s own version of Phil Jones and just seemed to be around for so long doing basically nothing. Thankfully, his contract was finally up this summer and he was booted out of the door. As at the time of this blog post, Cedric is still a free agent, but the Saudi Pro League window is still open, so his agent needs to earn his keep.
Transfer Rating – 10
Mohamed Elneny to Al Jazira
After serving the club for so many years, Arsenal and Elneny parted ways amicably and all we can do is say thank you to such a consummate professional. Despite never nailing a first term berth, Elneny was a dependable player that remained loyal to the club till the very end. Arsenal showed great heart offering him a one year extension to allow him rehabilitate from his long-term knee injury.
Transfer Rating – 7
Mauro Bandeira, Catalin Cirjan, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Henry Davies, Ovie Ejeheri, Taylor Foran, Hubert Graczyk, James Hillson, Henry Jeffcott, Tyreece John-Jules, Alex Kirk, James Lannin-Sweet, Taylor Kido-Hart, Reuell Walters, Omari Benjamin, Luis Brown, Noah Cooper, Kamami Ryan (all released)
So many Hale End graduates didn’t make the grade and were released from the club. From this batch, Cozier-Duberry seemed like the best option from the lot, but he chose to depart to Brighton, who have already sent him on loan to Blackburn Rovers.
Transfer Rating – 4
Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham
Smith Rowe will be forever remembered for his exploits in the 2021/22 season where he had his breakthrough at the club and was one of Arteta’s trusted lieutenants that campaign. Sadly, injuries stifled his progress and when he returned to full fitness, Arsenal had moved on. A painful exit as he was Arsenal through and through, but the money was good and a stagnating career will be reignited with consistent game time at Craven Cottage.
Transfer Rating – 8
Mike Biereth to Sturm Graz
Biereth started last season on loan at Motherwell, only to return in January and was shipped out to Sturm Graz. That loan spell worked pretty well for him and he made the move permanent. Straightforward stuff. I can’t wait for the sell on clause Arsenal will cash in on, when he makes another big move in the foreseeable future.
Transfer Rating – 6
Brooke Norton-Cuffy to Genoa
This youngster never made a first team appearance for Arsenal and was sent on loan on several occasions, with the latest loan spell at Millwall. However, it was interesting to see him leave the club and move abroad to Genoa. A sell on clause exists and if he shines in Italy, Arsenal will earn some good greens.
Transfer Rating – 4
Charlie Patino to Deportivo de la Coruna
Big things were expected of Patino after his inspiring debut against Sunderland but it didn’t pan out as he’d hoped and after a couple of loan spells in the lower divisions, he has moved to Liga Segunda for cheap. Quite disappointing but at the very least, Arsenal inserted a sell on clause on the deal.
Transfer Rating – 4
Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton
When Ramsdale usurped Bernd Leno three seasons ago, it was fair to say that Arsenal’s goalkeeping issues were settled but when Matt Turner’s departure preempted the club to go into the transfer window again, long-term target, Raya, was identified and the rest they say, is history. Ramsdale was too good to spend another full season on the bench, so selling him to Southampton for basically what we paid for him was a good piece of business.
Transfer Rating – 7
Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace
I dare say that Nketiah is our second best Academy graduate after Saka with the young forward making 168 appearances for the club, scoring 38 goals. Nketiah had been on the trenches for many seasons, playing second fiddle to striker after striker so it only made sense for him to seek pastures anew. Crystal Palace came calling and the deal seemed good for the player and the club.
Transfer Rating – 7
Sayonara.
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