Unlike last summer when Arsenal spent big on both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, the Gunners went for a more measured approach this time around.

Mikel Arteta was intent on improving his squad depth at the Emirates Stadium, perhaps feeling as if Arsenal lacked the same quality as Manchester City last season.

There’s no doubt that Arsenal’s starting eleven could match Pep Guardiola’s side, but any injuries were proving more of an issue in north London.

Of course, Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori is still a big money move, but it’s not quite at the echelon of Rice and Havertz.

In total, Arsenal made four first team signings when you consider that David Raya also completed his move from Brentford permanently.

Arsenal’s Mikel Merino move ranked as one of the best transfers of the summer

With the transfer window now concluded, at least for Europe’s top leagues, The Athletic have now been ranking the best value transfers across the Premier League. 

Each transfer was handed a score out of 100 based on the player’s market value, their cost to their new club, their contract terms and then their resale value.

Liverpool’s moves for Giorgi Mamardashvili (80) and Federico Chiesa (78) were ranked highest, the club’s only signings of the summer.

But in fifth position was the name of Mikel Merino, who scored 72 and was considered an absolute bargain on this scale.

Merino cost Arsenal £27m plus add-ons this summer, a steal for a player who had just helped Spain win the Euros.

Interestingly, deals for Raheem Sterling (71) and Neto (70) were only just behind, two sensible loan moves on deadline day.

And Arsenal’s biggest outlay for Riccardo Caafiori was given a score of 66.

Edu may have dodged a bullet by vetoing Pedro Neto move

Whilst none of Arsenal’s deals were towards the bottom of the scoring, there were a fair few from Chelsea.

And interestingly, Chelsea’s move for Pedro Neto was ranked down at 51 out of 100, a move that is perceived to present a lot of risk.

Arsenal have often been linked with Neto, a player Arteta was known to admire during his days at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And in their pursuit of a new wide-forward this summer, it may have been tempting to take a risk on Neto.

However, Arsenal will be pretty satisfied to have Sterling instead, especially judging by these rankings.

That being said, Arsenal may have another chance to sign Benjamin Sesko next summer, a deal that would surely score highly in the eyes of many.

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