Do you want to know more about players Arsenal have paid the most for? Below we have various lists of all expensive signings, transfers and departures in the Gunners’ history.
Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Paid
Arsenal’s transfer strategy has seen significant investments to strengthen their squad, with Declan Rice leading as the club’s most expensive acquisition at £105 million. This approach reflects the club’s commitment to competing at the highest levels of football.
In the 2024/25 season, Arsenal’s transfer activity has been relatively subdued, with no major signings reported.
The club has focused on consolidating its existing squad, aiming for stability and cohesion. Consequently, Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s most expensive player for the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal alos signed current Arsennal captain Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid and Maty Ryan from Brighton & Hove Albion on loan. Nicolas Pepe was signed from LOSC Lille in 2019 for €72m.
This makes the striker the club’s most expensive signing ever since it’s creation in October 1886.
Arsenal Most Expensive Signings Ever
So who else makes the list of Arsenal’s most expensive signings ever? Here we find out.
#
Player
Age
Season
Left
Fee
1
Declan Rice
24
23/24
West Ham
€116.60m
Defensive Midfield
Premier League
2
Bruno Guimaraes
28
26/27
Newcastle United
€87.50m
Defensive Midfield
Premier League
3
Nicolas Pépé
24
19/20
LOSC Lille
€80.00m
Right Winger
Ligue 1
4
Kai Havertz
24
23/24
Chelsea
€75.00m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
5
Martin Zubimendi
26
25/26
Real Sociedad
€70.00m
Midfielder
LaLiga
6
Eberechi Eze
26
25/26
Crystal Palace
€69.30m
Midfielder
Premier League
7
Viktor Gyokeres
27
25/26
Sporting CP
€66.90m
Midfielder
Portugal
8
Pierre Aubameyang
28
17/18
Dortmund
€63.70m
Centre-Forward
Bundesliga
9
Ben White
23
21/22
Brighton
€58.50m
Right Back
Premier League
10
Noni Madueke
24
25/26
Chelsea
€56.00m
Winger
Premier League
Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Received Ever
Gabriel Martinelli is the most expensive player Arsenal sold.
Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer to Al-Hilal in the 2026–27 season marks a historic departure for Arsenal.
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger completed a €70 million move to the Saudi Pro League side, a fee that makes him the club’s most expensive sale ever.
This nearly doubles Arsenal’s previous record, which was the €38 million received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
He signed a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, ending a seven-year stay in north London during which he made 278 appearances.
The move came after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta informed Martinelli that he was not part of his plans for the upcoming season.
The guaranteed €70 million fee also includes a sell-on clause for Arsenal, securing a significant return on the €6 million they invested in him in 2019.
Arsenal Most Expensive Departures Ever
#
Player
Age
Season
Joined
Fee
1
Gabriel Martinelli
27
26/27
Al-Hilal
€70.00m
Central Midfield
Saudi Pro League
2
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
24
17/18
Liverpool
€38.00m
Central Midfield
Premier League
3
Nicolas Anelka
20
99/00
Real Madrid
€35.00m
Centre-Forward
LaLiga
4
Alexis Sánchez
29
17/18
Man Utd
€34.00m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
5
Cesc Fàbregas
24
11/12
Barcelona
€34.00m
Central Midfield
LaLiga
6
Emile Smith Rowe
24
24/25
Fulham
€31.80m
Attacking Midfield
Premier League
7
Robin van Persie
29
12/13
Man Utd
€30.70m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
8
Alex Iwobi
23
19/20
Everton
€30.40m
Left Winger
Premier League
9
Folarin Balogun
22
23/24
Monaco
€30.00m
Centre-Forward
Ligue 1
10
Eddie Nketiah
25
24/25
Crystal Palace
€29.70m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
Arsenal Transfer History
Arsenal spent their highest amounts of money on players over the last few seasons under Arsene Wenger. Prior to that, the Frenchman was not allowed to venture deep into the transfer market much due to the club’s obligation to pay off their debts.
In what became one of the most influential periods of the North London club’s history, Arsenal managed to pay off the construction of their present stadium the Emirates while remaining competitive in the European top-flight.
Their expenses over the past decade have given off the image of a miserly club but in truth, the Gunners have managed to remain one of the richest clubs in the world even through a period of rebuilding. Watch & Bet on Football =>
FAQs about Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Paid And Received Ever
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Arsenal highest transfer fees paid and received ever
Arsenal’s Most Expensive Signing
Arsenal’s most expensive signing is Declan Rice.
He joined from West Ham United in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £105 million. This fee can rise to €117 million (£100m initial fee with £5m in add-ons), making him the second most expensive British player ever. This transfer broke Arsenal’s previous record, which was the €80m (£72m) paid for Nicolas Pépé in 2019.
Arsenal’s Most Expensive Sale
Arsenal’s most expensive sale is Gabriel Martinelli.
He moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the 2026–27 season for a reported fee of £60 million (approximately €70 million). This deal significantly surpasses the previous record of £40m (€38m) received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
The Highest Transfer Fee in Premier League History
The highest transfer fee in Premier League history is held by Alexander Isak. His move from Newcastle United to Liverpool in 2025 is reported to be worth £125 million.