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Arsenal are one of the biggest and richest clubs in the Premier League and as such can afford to pay good wages to their players. They have several star players on huge wages and also have the fifth highest wage bill in the Premier League, amounting to approximately £100,000,000.
The Gunners did not have the best of starts to 2021-22 Premier League season, losing their opening three games without scoring a goal. However, they improved after the international break, registering back-to-back 1-0 wins as several key players returned from injury.
Few Arsenal players deserve higher wages considering their performances
While the Gunners have several stars on big wages at the club, some of their other key players do not get paid as much as they deserve. These players have been performing exceptionally well for the club but there's a feeling that they are not adequately compensated for their efforts.
So let's take a look at the five Arsenal players who deserve to be on higher wages:
(Note: All wages are as listed on Spotrac.com)
#5 Kieran Tierney - £110,000
Kieran Tierney has been extremely consistent since arriving at Arsenal, featuring 67 times for the Gunners following his move from Celtic in the summer of 2019.
The left-back produced excellent performances last season, playing 27 league games, scoring one goal and providing four assists. The 24-year-old has been appreciated for his intensity, commitment and crossing ability. His performances earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad for Euro 2020.
The Scottish international recently signed a new contract at Arsenal, increasing his wages to £110,000-a-week. But his performances since arriving at the club have been exemplary and he definitely deserves to be one of the highest-paid players at the club.
The left-back will no doubt be happy with his contract but he has shown on the field that he definitely warrants more wages.
#4 Bernd Leno - £100,000
After a tough end to the 2019-20 season due to injury, Bernd Leno was reinstated as the Gunners' first-choice keeper last term.
Leno has been consistent since arriving at Arsenal in 2018 and has played 121 games between the sticks for the Gunners across all competitions. The German international arguably had his best season in terms of shutouts during the 2020-21 campaign as he managed to keep 11 clean sheets in 35 games. This is despite the fact that Arsenal struggled defensively for the majority of the campaign.
Arsenal have not had the best of starts to the new season, losing their opening three games with a 9-0 aggregate score. If not for Leno in goal, the scoreline could have been much worse for the Gunners.
Currently Leno takes home wages of £100,00-a-week which is definitely less for a player of his caliber. His performances in the past have shown that he warrants higher wages.
While Leno was replaced by Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal's last two games, the shot-stopper will definitely be hoping to regain his starting spot for the north London derby.
#3 Gabriel Magalhaes - £50,000
With low wages of £50,000-a-week, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes is definitely one of the most underpaid players at Arsenal.
Gabriel arrived at Arsenal last season with a big reputation as a young centre-back. He was immediately instilled into the first-team and started the season well with Arsenal. But the 23-year-old contracted COVID-19 in December and has been in and out of the team since then. In total, the centre-back managed to play 32 games across all competitions last season.
The former Lille man missed the start of the 2021-22 season due to a knee injury and his absence was visible as Arsenal lost their opening three games. However Gabriel returned to the starting lineup after the international break, helping Arsenal keep two consecutive clean sheets and registering 1-0 wins on both occasions.
The Brazilian was impressive in both games and has seemingly taken his performances to the next level. Therefore, the paltry wages of £50,000-a-week seems less for Gabriel, who looks set to be a crucial part of Arsenal's defense this season.
#2 Bukayo Saka - £30,000
Arguably Arsenal's best player last season, Bukayo Saka has developed himself into one of the most talented youngsters in English football.
With Arsenal lacking some spark and creativity in their ranks, 20-year-old Saka stepped up for the Gunners. He was arguably the biggest positive in an otherwise disappointing season for Arsenal.
Capable of playing anywhere on the left flank, in midfield and on the right wing, Saka scored seven goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions last term.
In a season where Arsenal's biggest stars struggled in front of goal, Saka's contributions were crucial in helping the Gunners finish eighth in the league table.
Saka's current contract, which runs till 2024 sees him earn £30,000-a-week in wages. But considering that he has arguably been Arsenal's best player over the past year or so, he definitely warrants a much better contract with improved wages.
#1 Emile Smith Rowe - £20,000
Emile Smith Rowe is easily the most underpaid player at Arsenal right now, and definitely deserves to earn more than £20,000-a-week in wages.
Since breaking into the Arsenal first-team last season, Smith Rowe has been nothing short of impressive for the Gunners. There was an immediate positive change in Arsenal's performances as soon as he became a regular in the team.
Playing as an attacking midfielder, Smith Rowe provided more fluidity to Arsenal's attack and was a key factor in the team's recovery last season.
The 21-year-old made 20 league appearances in 2020-21, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
While young academy players are generally on lower wages, Smith Rowe has already proven his worth at senior level. As such, it would be justified if he receives better wages sooner rather than later.
