Arsenal‘s summer arrivals included a record-breaking signing, an under the radar Brazilian teenager and even an old foe. But just how well or poorly have they done since making the move to the Emirates?
Arsenal’s Summer Arrivals: A Real Mixed Bag
Gabriel Martinelli
The aforementioned Brazilian teenager didn’t look likely to break into the first team this season. He only turned 18 in June, a few weeks before completing the move, and had only played in the Brazilian fourth division up to that point in his career.
However, just a few months later and Gabriel Martinelli has two braces to his name. On top of that, his displays in the League Cup and Europa League have gotten Unai Emery’s attention.
The Brazilian is now being named on the bench for Premier League matches and looks set to do a Matteo Guendouzi this season; that is begin as a peripheral figure and slowly become an important ingredient for the team.
Grade: A
Dani Ceballos
The on-loan Real Madrid man has had a hot and cold time in England so far. He bagged two assists during a brilliant display against Burnley, but hasn’t reached the same heights since.
Ceballos has loads of technical ability on the ball and, should he find consistency, could turn the league on its head. Although, the system Emery currently plays doesn’t quite suit the player.
Of all Arsenal’s summer arrivals, Dani Ceballos is the best on the ball. However, so far this season the Gunners have played on the break, allowing opponents more possession than they should.
If this changes, fans will see an even better Ceballos.
Grade: B
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal’s record signing having arrived from Lille for £72 million, much was expected from the player from the get-go. However, Nicolas Pepe has found it difficult to adjust to his new surroundings.
He has shown glimpses of brilliance. During the club’s loss at Anfield, Pepe routinely made Virgil van Dijk look a bit uncomfortable on the break. This fact alone should encourage even the most bitter supporters of the club.
Of all Arsenal’s summer arrivals, the most was expected of Nicolas Pepe. Sadly, he has yet to really deliver the goods which fans know he can. Hopefully the rest of his season will go better.
Grade: C
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal’s presumed left-back of the present and future, Tierney was a real coup after it seemed that the club was out of money for transfers in August.
Raul Sanllehi and company were able to get the deal over the line, even if the player was injured. However, Kieran Tierney has made his club debut and looks set to play in the Premier League for the first time.
His displays against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Standard Liege were mouth-watering, showing quality both with and without the ball. A true judgement can’t be made until he faces top opposition, but he looks the real deal thus far.
Grade: B
David Luiz
An old foe who has, at times, acted like it. David Luiz has already given away two penalties this season, plus a number of silly fouls. He did score the winner against Bournemouth, but hasn’t done too much offensively otherwise.
Two things, however, make his signing a decent one; first, he replaced Laurent Koscielny who was on strike and was very unlikely to ever play for Arsenal again. Second, he came on a reasonable fee.
Those last two factors make this a decent signing, if an unspectacular one who will hopefully be replaced in the starting XI sooner rather than later.
Grade: C
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