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.
In the summer of 2020, Arsenal signed Ghanian midfielder, Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid for £45m. Arsenal also signed 4 other players ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, all of whom have made significant impacts after their arrival.
So who else makes the list of Arsenal’s most expensive signings ever? Here we find out.
Arsenal Most Expensive Signings Ever
#
Player
Age
Season
Left
Fee
1
Declan Rice
24
23/24
West Ham
€116.60m
Defensive Midfield
Premier League
2
Nicolas Pépé
24
19/20
LOSC Lille
€80.00m
Right Winger
Ligue 1
3
Kai Havertz
24
23/24
Chelsea
€75.00m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
4
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
28
17/18
Bor. Dortmund
€63.75m
Centre-Forward
Bundesliga
5
Ben White
23
21/22
Brighton
€58.50m
Right-Back
Premier League
6
Alexandre Lacazette
26
17/18
Olympique Lyon
€53.00m
Centre-Forward
Ligue 1
7
Gabriel Jesus
25
22/23
Man City
€52.20m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
8
Thomas Partey
27
20/21
Atlético Madrid
€50.00m
Defensive Midfield
LaLiga
9
Mesut Özil
24
13/14
Real Madrid
€47.00m
Attacking Midfield
LaLiga
10
Riccardo Calafiori
22
24/25
Bologna
€45.00m
Centre-Back
Serie A
Arsenal Highest Transfer Fees Received Ever
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the most expensive player Arsenal sold.
In August 2018, Arsenal sold England international, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the club’s record fee of £40m to Liverpool.
The attacking midfielder arrived at the Emirates in 2011 from Southampton for £15m. He made 198 appearances for the Gunners while also netting the ball 20 times and laying out 32 assists.
He was primarily utilised as a winger by Arsene Wenger due to his incredible speed and athletic abilities. However, since joining forces with the Reds, Jurgen Klopp has allowed him to slide into his preferable number ten spot.
The Ox!
Oxlade-Chamberlain had massive potential to become a legendary figure at Arsenal but was somehow swayed by his own inconsistencies and recurring injury history.
His last memorable performance for the North London outfit was during the 2016/17 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City during which he managed to win the Man Of The Match award.
During his 6 years with Arsenal, Oxlade-Chamberlain won the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield 3 times each.
Arsenal Most Expensive Departures Ever
#
Player
Age
Season
Joined
Fee
1
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
24
17/18
Liverpool
€38.00m
Central Midfield
Premier League
2
Nicolas Anelka
20
99/00
Real Madrid
€35.00m
Centre-Forward
LaLiga
3
Alexis Sánchez
29
17/18
Man Utd
€34.00m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
4
Cesc Fàbregas
24
11/12
Barcelona
€34.00m
Central Midfield
LaLiga
5
Emile Smith Rowe
24
24/25
Fulham
€31.80m
Attacking Midfield
Premier League
6
Robin van Persie
29
12/13
Man Utd
€30.70m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
7
Alex Iwobi
23
19/20
Everton
€30.40m
Left Winger
Premier League
8
Folarin Balogun
22
23/24
Monaco
€30.00m
Centre-Forward
Ligue 1
9
Eddie Nketiah
25
24/25
Crystal Palace
€29.70m
Centre-Forward
Premier League
10
Joe Willock
21
21/22
Newcastle
€29.40m
Central Midfield
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
Who is the most expensive transfer made by Arsenal?
Arsenal’s most expensive signing is Declan Rice, who joined from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record fee of £105 million.
What is the most expensive selling fee in Arsenal?
The most expensive selling fee Arsenal has ever received is £35m for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was sold to Liverpool in 2017.
What is Arsenal’s highest ever sale?
Arsenal’s highest ever sale is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who moved to Liverpool in 2017 for £40 million.
What is the highest transfer fee in Premier League history?
The highest transfer fee in Premier League history is £115 million, paid by Chelsea to sign Moisés Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.