Mikel Arteta made a total of six signings in his first season as Arsenal manager, and just one of them is still at the Emirates. 

The Arsenal boss is hoping to spend big this summer in order to boost his squad, and therefore their chances of winning the Premier League title after finishing second for three years in a row.

This will be Arteta‘s first summer transfer window without Sporting Director Edu, as instead the Gunners have former Atletico Madrid man Andrea Berta helping with recruitment instead.

If Arsenal can’t win some silverware next season, there will be some pressure on Arteta, who has had a good track record in terms of signing players so far for the Gunners. We decided to look back at his first summer transfer window in 2020 and see where the signings are now…

Willian – Free transfer

Firstly, they signed former Chelsea winger William on a free transfer after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired following the previous year.

The Brazilian made 37 appearances for Arsenal, scoring one goal and providing seven assists in his one-year spell with the Gunners.

He since has played for Corinthians, Olympiacos and Fulham, where he left as a free agent last month at the age of 36.

Thomas Partey – £43m from Atletico Madrid

Partey was arguably one of Arteta’s best signings for Arsenal. He came in as his biggest marquee signing money wise in his first summer window.

Since then, Partey has made over 160 appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals, and providing seven assists. He was in talks over a new contract, but couldn’t agree on terms, and so has left as a free agent.

There has been interest from Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League in Partey, but it is not clear yet as to where he will go.

Gabriel – £22.4m from Lille

An absolutely brilliant signing. When you consider that Gabriel is now one of the best centre-backs in the league, and the Gunners paid just £22m for him, it is superb business.

He remains a star for Arsenal after having made over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists.

Last year, he became a real threat from corners, and was one of the reasons why the Gunners were so strong from set-pieces.

Pablo Mari – £5.1m from Flamengo

Mari didn’t turn out to be a great signing, although it is not like Arsenal spent a lot of money on him. They paid just over £5m for the Spanish defender from Brazilian side Flamengo.

He made just 22 appearances for the Gunners, and they sold him, after several loan moves away, to Italian side Monza in 2023 for a fee of £5.3m.

The 31-year-old is now playing for Fiorentina, and has two years left on his contract before he will become a free agent.

Cedric Soares – Free transfer

Right-back Soares was brought in for some much needed depth in defence, he came from Southampton after leaving the South Coast as a free agent.

Soares made 64 appearances for the Gunners, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Considering he was free, he was a decent depth player.

The 33-year-old is now playing for Brazilian side Sao Paolo after he left Arsenal in 2024 as a free agent. His contract expires in 2027.

Runar Alex Runarsson – £1.7m from Dijon

Icelandic keeper Runarsson came in as a backup option at the back, but he didn’t get much opportunity at Arsenal. He had several loan moves to the likes of OH Leuven, Alanyaspor, and Cardiff City.

The keeper made just six appearances for Arsenal, conceding eight goals, and keeping one clean sheet. He left the club in 2024.

Aged 30, Runarsson is now at Danish club FC Kopenhagen, and has made just one appearance for them, as he is the reserve keeper.

Click here to see Arsenal’s current first team squad heading into the new season next month.