Arsenal have had a massive transfer window this summer, with the hierarchy backing Mikel Arteta to make the additions he craves to help his quest for Premier League glory.
The Gunners have already splashed over £200m on new additions, solving various issues within countless areas of the first-team squad at the Emirates.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres was signed in a £63m deal from Sporting CP, already making an immediate impact after meeting twice in the 5-0 victory over Leeds United in North London.
Gyokeres-Arsenal-Leeds
Martin Zubimendi has also been signed to help bolster the defensive midfield department, aiding Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to lock down starting roles in such an area.
However, the backline has now been the latest part of the side to be subject to investment, with a move now edging ever closer to landing another big-money addition.
Arsenal’s deal to land Piero Hincapie this summer
Over the last couple of days, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie - with the defender edging closer to a move to join Arteta’s side.
The Gunners were battling North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for his signature, but it appears they have won the race - just as they did with Eberechi Eze.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
A deal for the 23-year-old to join the side on loan for the 2025/26 campaign has been agreed, with a package totalling £45m including a loan fee in place with the Bundesliga outfit.
The Ecuadorian international can operate in a full-back or centre-back role, with such a move adding needed depth and quality, asJakub Kiwior looks set to join Porto as a result.
However, despite the latest big-money transfer from Arteta, it’s his previous business that has worked wonders - leading to one player’s price tag soaring over recent months.
The Arsenal player who’s worth more than Hincapie
Despite finishing as runners-up in the Premier League in each of the last three years, Arsenal have made phenomenal progress under the guidance of Arteta.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match
The Spaniard will mark six years in the role in December, taking charge when the side were lingering in mid-table and going nowhere under Unai Emery.
William Saliba and Gabriel have both nailed down starting roles at the heart of the defence, joining from Saint-Étienne and Lille respectively - helping the club boast an incredible defensive record.
The Gunners have now had the best defensive record in England’s top-flight in each of the last two seasons - with the duo undoubtedly a key reason to achieving such a remarkable feat.
However, Jurrien Timber is another player who has also helped the side reach the levels they have over recent seasons - impressing massively since his move from Ajax back in the summer of 2023.
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber celebrates after the match
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber celebrates after the match
He missed the vast majority of his debut campaign due to an ACL injury suffered on the opening day, but he’s worked his way back into the side - now being Arteta’s starting right-back.
The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “incredible” by boss Arteta, has since racked up 53 appearances for the side, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.
The 24-year-old managed to score a double in the win over Arsenal last Saturday, taking his tally in the red shirt to four - an average of one goal every 13 matches.
As a result of his displays in North London, Timber is now valued at £47.6m by Transfermarkt - an increase of 40% of the £34m fee forked out for his signature two years ago.
Jurrien Timber's stats for Arsenal in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Dribble success
Tackle success rate
Duels won
Recoveries made
Dribbled past
Stats via FotMob
His subsequent value is also higher than the £45m fee forked out for Hincapie’s signature, with the club and pending new arrival hoping he can follow in a similar vein upon his switch to England.
The club have constantly conducted excellent business in the transfer market over recent seasons, with Timber one of the latest examples to thrive under the manager’s guidance.
Arsenal-Timber
If the hierarchy can keep producing similar profile additions going forward, there’s no reason why the club can’t finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.