Arsenal have made £77m transfer masterstroke

Arsenal came under their fair share of criticism over the most recent summer transfer window, with questions raised over their distribution of resources and choice of targets.

The idea that the crop of players all signed aged 23 or under were only going to begin making a serious impact on the team in one or two years’ time has since been put to rest. All the supposed ‘backup’ signings have quietened the naysayers.

And while all the recruits have made their mark, once again against Watford there were two standout names of the signings made under Mikel Arteta’s tenure: Benjamin White and Gabriel.

It isn’t just a matter of signing good defenders. If only it were that simple. A quick peek over at Manchester United offers a fine blueprint not to follow: players need to complement one another and fit a system, not pile up on top of each other clawing for their moment.

Arsenal have made £77m transfer masterstroke with the signings of Gabriel and Benjamin White since Mikel Arteta became manager

The recruitment that has gone into Gabriel and White is a £77m masterstroke. Vast amounts of money paid for a central defensive duo who look worth every single penny. Split that up evenly among the two and both look like special value a £38.5m each.

But that doesn’t even do them justice. The best compliments you can pay them is that White looks like a £50m defender and Gabriel looks like one of the bargains of the decade at £27m.

Equal measures of aggression and composure, the Brazilian is starting to fine-tune his weaker elements of last season to forge one outstanding overall package: his choice of pass has improved, his positioning off the ball is wiser and he uses his physicality in a measured way without dashes of his previous rashness. Victory over Watford meant he hadn’t tasted defeat for Arsenal in 218 days.

White cost Arsenal an arm and a leg at a time when another £27m centre-back was waiting in the wings, and now anyone willing to put forward the case that he isn’t the most in-form English player in his position will be left pinning their hopes on a mistrial. He has been exceptional.

These two command in the air, dominate on the ground, know how to defend, know how to progress and do so with the swagger of a duo whom should have decades more experience under their respective belts. There are chinks in the armour, no doubt, but they’re being gradually buffed out each week.

Two signings of exceptional quality who mitigate each other’s weaknesses and accentuate their strengths.

It’s the result of outstanding work in the transfer market. A £77m bargain for a Premier League side reaping the rewards of their endeavour.