Arsenal Transfers 2022/23: Complete List

The Arsenal transfers 2022/23 season saw a significant overhaul of the squad, with key acquisitions and departures shaping the team's performance. This comprehensive list details all the ins and outs at the Emirates Stadium during that period, providing a clear picture of Arsenal's activity in the transfer market.

Incomings: New Faces at the Emirates

Arsenal's transfer strategy in the 2022/23 season focused on strengthening key areas of the squad to compete for top honors. The arrival of several high-profile players injected fresh talent and experience into the team, bolstering their chances in both domestic and European competitions. Let's dive into the details of each incoming player.

Gabriel Jesus: A Striking Upgrade

One of the most significant signings of the summer was Gabriel Jesus, who joined from Manchester City. Jesus brought a wealth of Premier League experience and a proven goal-scoring record to North London. His arrival addressed a pressing need for a reliable and dynamic striker, adding a new dimension to Arsenal's attacking options. Jesus's ability to press high, link up play, and find the back of the net made him an instant hit with the Arsenal faithful. His impact was immediately felt as he quickly integrated into the team's style of play, contributing crucial goals and assists. Beyond his on-field contributions, Jesus's leadership qualities and winning mentality were seen as invaluable assets in the dressing room, helping to foster a more competitive and driven atmosphere. Arsenal fans were particularly excited about the prospect of Jesus leading the line, hoping he would be the catalyst to propel the team back into the Champions League and challenge for major trophies. His performances in the early part of the season justified the high expectations, as he consistently delivered impactful performances and demonstrated his importance to the team's overall success. The acquisition of Gabriel Jesus was not just about adding a quality player; it was about adding a player who could elevate the entire team and help Arsenal achieve their ambitious goals. His presence provided a significant boost to the squad's morale and confidence, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: Versatility and Quality

Another key addition from Manchester City was Oleksandr Zinchenko. Known for his versatility, Zinchenko can operate effectively in multiple positions, including left-back and central midfield. His technical ability, tactical awareness, and composure on the ball made him a valuable asset to Arsenal's squad. Zinchenko's experience playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City equipped him with a deep understanding of positional play and tactical flexibility, which he quickly brought to Arsenal. His ability to seamlessly transition between defense and midfield provided Mikel Arteta with tactical options and allowed Arsenal to control games more effectively. Beyond his technical skills, Zinchenko's strong mentality and work ethic were also highly valued. He brought a winning attitude to the team and consistently demonstrated a willingness to put in the hard yards, both in training and during matches. His leadership qualities, despite his relatively young age, were evident, and he quickly became a respected figure in the dressing room. Arsenal fans appreciated Zinchenko's commitment and passion for the game, as well as his ability to consistently deliver high-quality performances. His arrival not only strengthened the squad but also added a layer of tactical sophistication that made Arsenal a more formidable opponent. Zinchenko's impact was immediate, as he quickly established himself as a key player in the team, contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to pick out a pass, drive forward with the ball, and defend resolutely made him an indispensable part of Arsenal's lineup.

Fábio Vieira: A Creative Spark

Fábio Vieira arrived from Porto with a reputation as a creative midfielder with an eye for goal. His technical skills, vision, and ability to unlock defenses were seen as qualities that could add a new dimension to Arsenal's attack. Vieira's arrival provided Arsenal with a different type of attacking midfielder, one who could both create chances and score goals. His ability to pick out a pass, dribble past defenders, and strike the ball from distance made him a threat in the final third. While it took him some time to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, Vieira gradually began to showcase his talents and demonstrate his potential. His performances in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions offered glimpses of what he could bring to the team, and Arsenal fans were excited about his long-term prospects. Vieira's versatility also allowed him to play in multiple positions, including as a winger and a number 10, providing Mikel Arteta with tactical flexibility. His willingness to learn and adapt to the team's style of play was also commendable, and he quickly became a popular figure in the dressing room. Arsenal saw Vieira as a player with immense potential, and they were committed to helping him develop and reach his full potential. His arrival added depth and quality to the squad, and he was expected to play an increasingly important role in the years to come. Vieira's creative spark and technical ability made him an exciting addition to the team, and he was seen as a player who could help Arsenal unlock stubborn defenses and score crucial goals.

Marquinhos: Young Talent for the Future

The young Brazilian winger Marquinhos joined Arsenal with high expectations. Seen as a player with immense potential, Marquinhos was immediately loaned out to gain valuable experience and playing time. While he didn't make an immediate impact on the first team, Marquinhos was viewed as a long-term project with the potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the future. His raw talent, speed, and dribbling ability were evident, and the loan spell was intended to help him develop his skills and adapt to European football. Arsenal's scouting network identified Marquinhos as a player with the potential to become a star, and they were keen to nurture his talent and help him reach his full potential. His arrival added to the growing number of young, exciting players at the club, and he was seen as a player who could contribute to Arsenal's future success. While he faced challenges adjusting to a new country and a new style of play, Marquinhos remained determined to prove himself and earn a place in the Arsenal first team. His work ethic and dedication were commendable, and he was committed to working hard and improving his game. Arsenal fans were excited about the prospect of seeing Marquinhos develop into a top player, and they were hopeful that he would return from his loan spell ready to make an impact. His signing reflected Arsenal's commitment to investing in young talent and building a squad for the future.

Matt Turner: A New Goalkeeping Option

Matt Turner, the American goalkeeper, was brought in to provide competition and cover for Aaron Ramsdale. Turner's arrival added depth to the goalkeeping department and provided Arsenal with a reliable backup option. Known for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box, Turner brought valuable experience to the squad. While he primarily served as a backup, Turner's performances in cup competitions and occasional Premier League appearances demonstrated his quality and reliability. His professionalism and work ethic were also highly valued, and he quickly became a popular figure in the dressing room. Turner's arrival allowed Arsenal to have peace of mind knowing that they had a capable goalkeeper ready to step in whenever needed. His presence also pushed Aaron Ramsdale to continue improving and maintaining his high level of performance. Arsenal's goalkeeping department was seen as a strength, and Turner's addition further solidified that position. His experience and ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the team. Turner's signing reflected Arsenal's commitment to having depth in every position and ensuring that they had quality players ready to contribute whenever called upon.

Outgoings: Departures from the Emirates

Alongside the new arrivals, several players departed Arsenal during the 2022/23 season, either on permanent transfers or loan deals. These departures were part of a strategic effort to streamline the squad, reduce the wage bill, and provide opportunities for young players to gain experience elsewhere. Let's take a closer look at the players who left the club.

Alexandre Lacazette: End of an Era

Alexandre Lacazette's departure marked the end of an era. The French striker returned to Lyon after his contract with Arsenal expired. Lacazette had been a valuable servant to the club, scoring important goals and providing leadership in the attacking line. His departure created a void in the squad, but it also opened up opportunities for new players to step up and fill his shoes. Lacazette's time at Arsenal was marked by moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency, but his commitment to the club was never in doubt. He was a popular figure among the fans and his teammates, and his departure was met with mixed emotions. Arsenal thanked Lacazette for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors. His experience and knowledge of the game were missed in the dressing room, but his departure allowed Arsenal to reshape their attacking options and bring in new talent.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: A Mid-Season Exit

The departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January was a significant event. After falling out of favor with manager Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang's contract was terminated, allowing him to join the Catalan giants on a free transfer. His exit brought an end to a controversial chapter, as he had previously been stripped of the captaincy due to disciplinary issues. Aubameyang's departure was a clear indication of Arteta's desire to instill discipline and accountability within the squad. While Aubameyang had been a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal, his attitude and behavior had become a distraction, and the decision was made to move him on. His exit freed up significant wages and allowed Arsenal to bring in new players who aligned with Arteta's vision for the team. Aubameyang's time at Arsenal was marked by periods of brilliance and controversy, and his departure was a significant turning point in the club's recent history.

Bernd Leno: A Goalkeeping Change

Bernd Leno moved to Fulham in search of regular playing time. The German goalkeeper had lost his place in the starting lineup to Aaron Ramsdale and sought a new challenge elsewhere. Leno's departure allowed Arsenal to streamline their goalkeeping options and reduce the wage bill. While he had been a reliable performer for Arsenal, the emergence of Ramsdale made it difficult for him to secure regular game time. Leno's move to Fulham provided him with an opportunity to continue playing in the Premier League and showcase his talents. Arsenal thanked Leno for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Nuno Tavares: Loan to Marseille

Nuno Tavares was loaned out to Marseille to gain valuable experience and playing time. The young Portuguese left-back had shown glimpses of potential but needed regular games to develop his skills. The loan move allowed Tavares to play in a competitive environment and hone his abilities. Arsenal hoped that he would return from his loan spell a more mature and well-rounded player. Tavares's loan move was part of Arsenal's strategy to develop young talent and provide them with opportunities to grow and improve. His time at Marseille was expected to be beneficial for his development, and Arsenal were keen to monitor his progress.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Another Loan Departure

Ainsley Maitland-Niles joined Southampton on loan, seeking more consistent playing time. The versatile midfielder/full-back had struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Arsenal and hoped to revive his career at St Mary's. Maitland-Niles's loan move was another example of Arsenal's strategy to provide young players with opportunities to gain experience elsewhere. His versatility was seen as an asset, but he needed to find a consistent role and perform at a high level to secure a long-term future at Arsenal. The loan move to Southampton provided him with a chance to prove himself and demonstrate his potential.

Pablo Marí: Loan to Monza

Pablo Marí was loaned out to Monza, providing him with an opportunity to play regularly in Serie A. The Spanish center-back had struggled to break into the Arsenal first team and sought a new challenge in Italy. Marí's loan move allowed him to gain valuable experience and play in a different league. Arsenal hoped that he would return from his loan spell a more confident and experienced player. His time at Monza was expected to be beneficial for his development, and Arsenal were keen to monitor his progress.

Folarin Balogun: Loan to Reims

Folarin Balogun was loaned out to Reims, where he quickly made a name for himself. The young striker impressed with his goal-scoring prowess and became a key player for the French club. Balogun's loan spell was a resounding success, as he gained valuable experience and showcased his potential. Arsenal were delighted with his progress and were keen to integrate him into the first team upon his return. His goal-scoring record at Reims demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net, and he was seen as a player with a bright future at Arsenal.

Arthur Okonkwo: Loan to Crewe Alexandra

Arthur Okonkwo was loaned out to Crewe Alexandra, providing him with an opportunity to gain experience in League Two. The young goalkeeper needed regular game time to develop his skills and improve his confidence. Okonkwo's loan move was part of Arsenal's strategy to nurture young talent and provide them with opportunities to grow and improve. His time at Crewe Alexandra was expected to be beneficial for his development, and Arsenal were keen to monitor his progress.

Conclusion: A Season of Change

The Arsenal transfers 2022/23 season was one of significant change, with key additions and departures shaping the squad's composition and performance. The arrivals of players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko bolstered the team's quality and depth, while the departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked the end of an era. The loan moves for young players like Nuno Tavares and Folarin Balogun provided them with valuable experience and opportunities to develop their skills. Overall, Arsenal's transfer activity reflected a strategic effort to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for top honors. The impact of these transfers was evident in Arsenal's improved performance, as they finished second in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League. The 2022/23 season marked a turning point for Arsenal, and the club's transfer activity played a crucial role in their resurgence.