Ranking the 5 worst Arsenal signings in Premier League history

#3. Gervinho

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League

Gervinho is widely regarded by Arsenal fans as one of the club's worst-ever signings in the Premier League.

The Ivory Coast international joined Arsenal in 2011 for a reported £10.8 million. The fee was always on the high side and had Arsenal fans thinking that they had found themselves a lynchpin in attack.

Sadly, Gervinho did not resolve the club's issues. His Premier League career started off poorly as Gervinho was sent off on debut for a slapping incident involving Joey Barton.

Gervinho did have some good games during his three years with Arsenal. Ultimately, he only managed 11 goals in his 63 appearances for the club and was sold to Roma in 2013.

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#2. Willian

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League

Willian united the Arsenal fanbase like no one else. Unfortunately, the fans were against him playing for their club.

The Brazilian has enjoyed quite a successful career on the whole. The former Chelsea man had won two Premier League titles with the Blues before signing for Arsenal in 2020.

Signed on a free transfer, Willian was expected to bring a wealth of experience and creativity into the Arsenal attack. It is common to argue that it could have been the system that didn't enable Willian to play at his best, but most fans agree that he was a shadow of his former self after he joined the Gunners.

Willian made 37 appearances for Arsenal before terminating his contract in August 2021. His free transfer was not a saving grace either, as it was reported that Willian earned over £200,000 a week, further adding to the misery of Arsenal fans.

He provided seven assists during his year at the club, but scored just one goal for during the same period. His output was considered too low to represent Arsenal. Willian rejoined his boyhood club Corinthians in August 2021.

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#1. Shkodran Mustafi

Arsenal v Olympique Lyonnais - Emirates Cup

Arsenal signed Shkodran Mustafi in August 2016 for a reported £35 million.

Mustafi came to England with an impressive reputation. He won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014 and was also outstanding during his spells at Sampdoria and Valencia.

Signed to be Arsenal's defensive leader, Mustafi turned out to be anything but. The lofty price tag came with heightened expectations, but the German failed to perform anywhere near that.

Mustafi built an ominous reputation for himself at Arsenal. He always looked uncertain on the ball and committed far too many mistakes leading directly to goal. His aerial ability was decent, but his distribution and decision making were seriously lacking.

Mustafi did pick up two FA Cup winners' medals with the Gunners, but his inadaptability was clear to see. The German ultimately left on a free transfer to Levante this summer and represents the side.