Jesus A, Vieira E: Grading every Arsenal signing this season

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 10 May 2023 19:13 BST
• 5 min read

Arsenal have been one of the surprise teams this Premier League season.

No one expected their title challenge this campaign, some even felt that they would not even get top-four. But Mikel Arteta has turned things around.

He has finally embedded his ethos into the north London side, while the additions they have made - last summer and in the January window - have, for the most part, helped tremendously.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea chasing shock midfield target, Fabrizio Romano reveals

But who’s been the standout signings and who's been underwhelming? Here FootballTransfers has gone through each player who has been bought by Arsenal this season and graded each one.

Marquinhos (€3.5m from Sao Paulo) Grade: D

Marquinhos was shipped out on loan to Norwich following his move to Arsenal. There was an anticipation that he would be on the fringes of the first-team, but Arteta deemed him as not ready and so he headed for the Championship at the end of the January transfer window. For the Norfolk club, he had netted a single goal in 11 matches. He came for a low amount though, while at just 20 years old there is room to grow at the Emirates Stadium.

Matt Turner (€6.4m from New England Revolution) Grade: C

Matt Turner arrived from the MLS after impressing Gunners scouts. He was brought in deputise Aaron Ramsdale, making seven appearances for the side so far this campaign. Turner has been a sound addition - though nothing to write home about. His age of 28 means he is entering his prime years as a goalkeeper - and this could mean a relative amount of resale value if Arsenal ever did decide to move him on.

Jorginho (€11.3m from Chelsea) Grade: B+

Jorginho came to Arsenal after they failed to bring in Moises Caicedo from Brighton over the winter window. The Italian has got better with each passing week - his showing in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Newcastle was superb and displayed just how much ability the former Napoli player still possesses. It bodes well for the future, especially given his huge leadership qualities in the dressing room.

Leandro Trossard (€24m from Brighton) Grade: B-

Leandro Trossard has been an extremely shrewd signing for Arsenal. A Premier League-proven player who can provide assists and score, for the amount the Gunners paid, the Belgian has been a bargain. He assisted all three of Arsenal's goals in their win at Fulham, in what was his best display for the club since joining in January. Out of the 19 games he has played for Arsenal so far, he has netted just a single goal, but Arsenal bought him with the Premier League title in mind - a short-term fix of sorts. No doubt he will be a key member of the side next season as well.

Jakub Kiwior (€24m from Spezia Calcio) Grade: D-

Jakub Kiwior has only made five appearances in all competitions this season for Arsenal - but that shouldn’t reflect on how well he’s done. There is a high ceiling for the 23-year-old and he could well become a star in a few years. A bit of a settling period for now though - nothing to shout about but the €24m paid could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (€35m from Manchester City) Grade: A

Oleksandr Zinchenko seemed like a bit of an understudy at Man City, never really making the position his own. But he’s had arguably his best-ever season in the Premier League. Arteta had worked with the Ukraine international before and knew what he would be getting. Zinchenko has been one of the best wingbacks in the Premier League this term - and if he continues that trajectory in the next season and thereafter, €35m would seem a steal: what’s been Man City’s loss has been Arsenal’s gain.

Fabio Vieira (€35m from Porto) Grade: E+

Fabio Vieira still has a lot to give, but it hasn’t been the best season for the midfielder. Indeed, there is still a lot to come from Vieira - especially given his namesake - but his inaugural campaign has been a bit wide of the mark. He needs to bulk up and adapt to the Premier League, technically he is clearly gifted but he needs to get the physicality in there as well.

Gabriel Jesus (€52.2m from Manchester City) Grade: A-

Gabriel Jesus started his time at Arsenal in electric fashion, but a serious injury halfway through the season hampered his chances of winning the Golden Boot - or Arsenal winning the Premier League, for that matter. It was a pricey move, but it’s been worth every penny for the Gunners. At 26 years old, Jesus still has a huge amount to give for his current side and no doubt he will get better and better.