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From Willian to White: Rating Mikel Arteta's transfers as Arsenal boss

It's proving a tough time for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal but he can't say he hasn't been backed in the transfer market.

It's proving a tough time for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal but he can't say he hasn't been given the backing in the transfer market, with keeper Aaron Ramsdale set to become his tenth permanent signing since taking over in December 2019.

It is fair to say not all the new additions have worked out quite as well as Arteta and technical director Edu might have hoped.

Here, Planet Sport rates the success of Arteta's transfer dealings. Look away now Gunners fans.

Runar Alex Runarsson 0/10

There isn't a single positive that can be attributed to Runarson's time at Arsenal - the poor Icelandic goalkeeper has endured a nightmare in north London.

Recruited from Dijon to support Bernd Leno after Emiliano Martinez's move to Aston Villa, Gunners fans were unsure what to expect of the 25-year-old.

They would soon be up to speed after he experienced a calamitous debut in their Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, his only game for the club to date.

Fumbling a Riyad Mahrez free-kick into his own goal was the precursor to a performance which left the Emirates faithful fuming.

It's hard to imagine Runarsson pulling on an Arsenal jersey in the near future and it would benefit both parties if he were to move on and start afresh.

Willian 1/10

This story appeared to have a perfect start.

Lured to the Emirates from Chelsea with Arteta's promise of Champions League soccer, Willian debuted with two assists in a 3-0 win over Fulham.

However, the Brazilian managed just three more assists and one goal as Arsenal missed out on Europe, while watching his former side clinch the Champions League.

Oh and Willian is pulling in £300,000 a week. 

One to forget for all parties.

Aaron Ramsdale N/A

You really have to question Edu and Arteta's decision-making here.

They are effectively replacing one of the best goalkeepers in the league with one that has been relegated two seasons running and costs £10million more.

Although Ramsdale was one of a the few Sheffield United players to escape with their reputation intact last season, naive errors were still a regular feature.

Irrespective of his athletic shot-stopping and astute kicking, he is a far cry from Martinez - who enjoyed a stellar season at Villa Park before going on to Copa America glory with Argentina.

They certainly looked to have dropped a clanger here.

Pablo Mari 4/10

A good left-sided centre-back can sometimes be hard to come by and sadly for Arteta, Mari doesn't fit this mould.
Someone who was once a revelation in Brazil, there was lots of anticipation surrounding Mari's return to the Premier League, after his previous stint with Manchester City.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he is yet to mark his influence on Arteta's squad with sluggish movement and bovine pace hindering him in a number of defensive situations.

After experiencing a difficult night in last week's Premier League opener, Mari has lots to do to establish himself as a regular partner to Ben White.

Cedric 5/10

Cedric has performed well on a number of occasions when called upon by Arteta.

However, with Hector Bellerin and more recently Ainsely Maitland-Niles entering the fray, his amount of playing time looks set to be limited.

A very hard worker but sadly nothing more than a squad player. Still, at least he was free.

Gabriel 6/10

The signing of Gabriel was met with great excitement in north London, and this was only fuelled further when the Brazilian scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham.

Despite this, it has been somewhat of a rocky road for the Brazilian, with fluctuations in form dividing his popularity levels among Arsenal fans.

With a centre-back place undeniably up for grabs, he has a golden opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong upon his return from injury.
Overall, an adequate spell at the club so far.

Nuno Tavares 6/10

A player who made his Premier League debut against Brentford, Tavares is an exciting full-back who is far from the finished product.

The Portuguese international introduced himself to the Arsenal contingent with an outstanding performance in Benfica's Europa League defeat to the Gunners last season.
Often praised for his blistering pace, willingness to overlap and attacking prowess, he can also be let down by his inability to maintain consistent performances.

With very little to analyse from his Premier League debut last week, there will be lots of keen eyes on the youngster as he fights for a place in the starting XI.

Albert Sambi Lokonga N/A

One for the future, Albert Sambi Lokonga is intelligent, tenacious and versatile, able to be deployed as a No. 6 and No. 8.

Championed by Vincent Kompany for his role in the Anderlecht set-up, the Belgian's stellar performances also earned him regular appearances in the Red Devils' youth teams.

What sets Lokonga apart from other players of a similar age is his flair - being able to switch the ball at the drop of the hat or shield it as he effortlessly glides past defenders.

Another rare talent, these unique qualities provide him with all the foundations to progress under the Arteta regime

Thomas Partey 7/10

Would have been a much higher rating had injuries not stymied his progress.

That being said, when the Ghanaian does feature, Arsenal look a noticeably better and more assured side.

Partey is the ball-winning midfielder Arsenal have sought for so long, providing exceptional cover for the Gunners back line while simultaneously executing crucial interceptions and blocks from a deep-lying role.

Alongside his exquisite defensive capabilities, the former Atletico man also aids the side offensively with his surging runs and forward-thinking passes enabling fast counter-attacking situations.

Sure to be a vital cog in Arteta's machine.

Ben White N/A

Despite the evidence of the dismal 2-0 defeat to Brentford, Ben White has all the attributes needed to galvanise an incredibly shaky Arsenal defence.

Having dazzled under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, the youngster was a stalwart for Brighton last season, earning an England call-up as a result and persuading Arsenal to shell out £50million for him.

Explosive speed, intimidating aerial presence, competency on the ball and tough tackling mark the 23-year-old out as a potential star at the Emirates.

With Pablo Mari being far from the finished package, Arteta will rely on White to provide some much-needed consistency in the heart of his side's defence.

The young Englishman may have his work cut out for him, but he should be more than up to the challenge.

Martin Odegaard 8/10

Arsenal fans were crying out for a playmaker and my word, have they got one.

Although he didn't hit the ground running in his previous stint at the Emirates, the Norway captain possesses a number of world-class traits that will rejuvenate the Gunners' front line.
Energetic, skilful and a resolute presser of the ball, the 22-year-old has an innate ability to transform defence into attack in a heartbeat.
Although the move has divided the Emirates faithful, Odegaard will reignite the spark in an often sluggish Arsenal attack.

Arsenal could have a very special player on their hands. He might have to be to carry the rest of Arteta's signings.

READ MORE: Rodgers no longer favourite to replace Arteta at Arsenal, as money pours in for Howe

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