Report: Arsenal’s four summer signings and overview on what fans can expect from them

Arsenal were busy in the recently closed summer transfer window as they tried to improve their squad after an 8th place Premier League finish and this window was very important as Mikel Arteta wanted to balance his squad ahead of his first full season. Arsenal completed the signing of Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Runnarson and Thomas Partey and we are going to take a look at what the fans can expect from them. We however didn’t include Cedric and Mari as they arrived in January and only got permanent contracts a few months later.

1. WILLIAN (FREE)

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Willian of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on September 12, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea let go of Willian this summer after they reportedly didn’t want to meet his demands and Arsenal decided to take this chance to sign the Brazilian international since he is a well experienced winger that would give time to their young wingers to develop without too much pressure. Willian will of course be a regular starter as Arteta said that they have many youngsters in the starting eleven and that it isn’t good that they are playing a lot at such a young ave, and he did have a remarkable start as he got two assists in the 3-0 win over Fulham.

2. GABRIEL MAGALHAES (£25million)

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Arsenal Media Photocall at London Colney on September 09, 2020 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal had one of the worst defences in the Premier League last season and so signing a new centre back was a big priority and Mikel Arteta made sure that getting a left footed centre back was made a priority hence the North Londoners going for Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes who had just come off a brilliant season in the French Ligue one.

Gabriel will be very vital for Arsenal this season as he is not only good on the ball but is also tall and that is very important as the gunners conceded many set piece goals under Mikel Arteta last season. Gabriel being left footed will also bring helpful in making Arsenal’s playing out of the back faster so that they can quickly break down teams that press.

3. ALEX RUNNARSON (£1.5million)

Runarsson is in line for his debut.

Arsenal needed a new back up goalkeeper after the departure of Emiliano Martinez and they obviously didn’t want to spend big hence going for Dijon’s Alex Runnarson. The Icelandic goalkeeper will not play much unless Leno gets an injury and he said in his first interview that the Arsenal fans can expect a good ball playing goalkeeper in him.

4. THOMAS PARTEY (£45million)

Thomas Partey became Arsenal’s best signing of the summer since he is considered a world class midfielder and the fans will be right to expect a lot from him as he is not just your typical defensive midfielder but he can also play as a box to box midfielder, and stats show that he created the most chances for Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Partey is a signing that was one of the remaining pieces in the system that Arteta wants to play as its believed that he will ditch the three at the back system to start playing good attacking football in a well stable 4-3-3 formation.