Arsenal Transfers 2022: All Arrivals And Departures

Hey Gunners fans! Let's dive deep into the Arsenal transfers of 2022. This was a crucial year for the club as Mikel Arteta continued to shape his squad. We'll break down all the arrivals and departures, analyzing how each move impacted the team. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Summer Arrivals: Strengthening the Squad

The Arsenal transfers during the summer window were all about adding quality and depth to compete on all fronts. The Gunners made some shrewd moves in the market, bringing in players who could immediately contribute to the first team.

• Gabriel Jesus: One of the most significant signings of the summer, Gabriel Jesus arrived from Manchester City with a reputation for clinical finishing and tireless work rate. Jesus immediately transformed Arsenal's attack, providing a focal point and a constant threat to opposition defenses. His arrival not only boosted the goal-scoring potential but also brought a winning mentality to the squad. Arteta's familiarity with Jesus from his time at Manchester City played a crucial role in securing the deal, and the Brazilian forward quickly became a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium. His impact was immediate, with goals and assists flowing from his boots, making him a vital cog in Arsenal's attacking machinery. The presence of Gabriel Jesus allowed Arsenal to play with more fluidity and purpose in the final third, unlocking opportunities for other players like Martinelli and Saka to flourish. Without a doubt, securing Gabriel Jesus was a statement of intent from Arsenal, signaling their ambition to challenge for major honors.

• Oleksandr Zinchenko: Another player who made the switch from Manchester City to Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko brought versatility and experience to the Gunners' backline. Capable of playing as a left-back or in midfield, Zinchenko's technical ability and tactical awareness made him a valuable asset to Arteta's squad. His arrival provided competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back and also offered Arteta the option to deploy him in midfield when needed. Zinchenko's passing range and ability to dictate tempo from deep positions added a new dimension to Arsenal's build-up play. Moreover, his experience of winning Premier League titles with Manchester City brought a winning mentality to the dressing room, which was invaluable for a relatively young Arsenal squad. Zinchenko's signing also highlighted Arteta's strategy of bringing in players familiar with his tactical system, ensuring a smooth transition and immediate impact on the pitch. His composed performances and leadership qualities quickly endeared him to the Arsenal faithful, solidifying his place as a key member of the team.

• Fabio Vieira: Hailed as one of the brightest young talents in Portuguese football, Fabio Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto with high expectations. An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and a penchant for creating chances, Vieira added creativity and flair to Arsenal's midfield. His arrival provided Arteta with another option in the attacking midfield role, offering a different skillset to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe. Vieira's ability to unlock defenses with his precise passing and dribbling skills made him a potent weapon in Arsenal's arsenal. While it took him some time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League, Vieira gradually showcased his potential with glimpses of brilliance. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions across the midfield and forward line, making him a valuable asset for Arteta. As he continues to develop and mature, Fabio Vieira has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the years to come, adding a touch of Portuguese flair to the Gunners' midfield.

• Matt Turner: Brought in to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner arrived from New England Revolution with a solid reputation as a reliable goalkeeper. Turner's arrival added depth to Arsenal's goalkeeping department and allowed Ramsdale to have a challenger pushing him to perform at his best. His shot-stopping ability and command of his area made him a capable backup option, providing Arteta with peace of mind knowing he had a dependable goalkeeper to call upon when needed. Turner also brought valuable experience from his time in the MLS and with the US national team, adding another layer of leadership to the squad. While he may not have been a regular starter, Turner's presence in the squad was crucial for maintaining a competitive environment and ensuring that Arsenal had adequate cover in the goalkeeping position. His professionalism and dedication made him a popular figure in the dressing room, contributing to the overall team spirit.

• Marquinhos: A young Brazilian winger with bags of potential, Marquinhos joined Arsenal from Sao Paulo as a long-term project. Marquinhos' arrival added another exciting prospect to Arsenal's youth ranks, with the potential to develop into a future star. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal made him an exciting player to watch, and Arteta saw him as a player who could add a different dimension to Arsenal's attack in the future. While he initially joined the club with the intention of developing in the youth teams, Marquinhos quickly impressed with his performances, earning opportunities to train and play with the first team. His dedication and willingness to learn made him a popular figure among the coaching staff, and he was seen as a player with a bright future at the club. Although he may not have had an immediate impact on the first team, Marquinhos' signing was a testament to Arsenal's commitment to investing in young talent and building for the future. His development will be closely monitored, and Gunners fans will be eagerly anticipating his breakthrough into the first team.

Winter Arrivals: Bolstering the Midfield

The Arsenal transfers in the winter window focused on strengthening the midfield, an area where the team needed more depth and quality.

• Jakub Kiwior: Signed from Spezia, Jakub Kiwior is a versatile defender known for his aerial ability and composure on the ball. Kiwior's arrival added depth to Arsenal's defensive options, providing cover for Gabriel and Saliba. His ability to play as a center-back or defensive midfielder made him a valuable asset for Arteta, offering tactical flexibility and versatility. Kiwior's aerial prowess and tackling ability made him a solid defender, while his composure on the ball allowed him to contribute to Arsenal's build-up play. Although he may not have been a household name, Kiwior's signing was a shrewd move by Arsenal, addressing a key area of need and adding quality to the squad. His performances in Serie A had caught the eye of several clubs, and Arsenal moved quickly to secure his signature. As he settles into the Premier League, Kiwior has the potential to become a key player for Arsenal, providing stability and solidity to the Gunners' defense.

• Jorginho: In a surprising move, Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea, adding experience and quality to the Gunners' midfield. Jorginho's arrival provided Arsenal with a seasoned campaigner who had won numerous titles, including the Champions League and the Europa League. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate tempo made him a valuable asset for Arteta's squad. Jorginho's experience and leadership qualities were particularly important for a relatively young Arsenal team, providing guidance and stability in midfield. His ability to control the game and make intelligent passes allowed Arsenal to maintain possession and dictate the flow of play. While some fans questioned his arrival due to his Chelsea connections, Jorginho quickly won them over with his performances on the pitch. His signing was a testament to Arsenal's ambition to challenge for major honors, bringing in a player with proven quality and experience.

Key Departures: Trimming the Squad

Of course, Arsenal transfers also involve players leaving the club. Several players departed in 2022, either on loan or permanently, as Arteta looked to streamline his squad.

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: A high-profile departure, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal to join Barcelona after a controversial spell at the club. Aubameyang's departure marked the end of an era at Arsenal, with the Gabonese striker having been a key player for several years. However, disciplinary issues and a breakdown in his relationship with Arteta led to his departure. While his goals were missed, Aubameyang's exit allowed Arsenal to move forward with a new attacking strategy, focusing on younger players like Martinelli and Saka. His departure also freed up wages, allowing Arsenal to invest in other areas of the squad. Although his time at Arsenal ended on a sour note, Aubameyang will be remembered for his goals and contributions to the club.

• Alexandre Lacazette: Another striker who departed Arsenal in 2022, Alexandre Lacazette returned to Lyon after his contract expired. Lacazette's departure left a void in Arsenal's attacking options, with the French striker having been a reliable performer for several seasons. However, his departure allowed Arsenal to bring in Gabriel Jesus, a significant upgrade in terms of quality and goal-scoring potential. Lacazette's work rate and link-up play were appreciated by Arsenal fans, but his lack of goals ultimately led to his departure. His return to Lyon allowed him to play regularly and rediscover his form in familiar surroundings.

• Nicolas Pépé: After failing to live up to expectations, Nicolas Pépé was loaned out to Nice in the summer of 2022. Pépé's loan move was an opportunity for him to regain his confidence and form after a disappointing spell at Arsenal. The Ivorian winger had arrived with a big price tag, but he struggled to adapt to the Premier League and failed to consistently deliver on his potential. His loan move to Nice allowed him to play regularly and showcase his talent in a less demanding environment. While his future at Arsenal remained uncertain, Pépé's loan move was a chance for him to prove his worth and potentially revive his career.

• Other Departures: Several other players left Arsenal on loan or permanently, including the likes of Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. These departures helped to trim the squad and free up wages, allowing Arsenal to focus on building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

Final Thoughts on Arsenal Transfers 2022

Overall, the Arsenal transfers in 2022 were a mix of shrewd acquisitions and necessary departures. The arrival of players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko significantly strengthened the squad, while the departures of Aubameyang and Lacazette marked the end of an era. With a blend of youth and experience, Arsenal looked well-placed to continue their upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners' activity in the transfer market reflected their ambition to challenge for major honors, and fans were optimistic about the future.