Arsenal’s 5 Best January Signings of All-Time – Ranked

The January transfer window often throws up interesting deals each year, and Arsenal’s track record in this period is a mixed bag. While the Gunners have historically been more successful in summer transfers, there have been a few transformative figures who have made significant impacts after arriving in January. Here’s a look at Arsenal’s five best January signings of all-time.

5. Nacho Monreal

While far from Arsenal’s most glamorous addition of the Premier League era, few players worked harder for the club than Nacho Monreal. Arriving from Malaga for £8.5m in 2013, Monreal spent six-and-a-half years with the Gunners, making over 250 appearances and winning three FA Cups. His tireless performances earned him a place in the hearts of Arsenal supporters, even if he won’t compete for a spot in the all-time XI.

4. Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor’s time at Arsenal ended on rocky terms, particularly following his controversial celebration against the club after joining Manchester City in 2009. However, his early impact for the Gunners was undeniable. Signed in January 2006, he scored four Premier League goals in his debut half-season and followed it with a 24-goal league campaign in 2007/08, cementing his place as one of the best January signings.

3. Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott provided Arsenal with over a decade of reliable service, joining the club from Southampton in January 2006 at just 16 years old. He made 382 appearances, scoring 106 goals, with his most prolific season coming in 2012/13 when he netted 21 times and contributed 11 assists. Though his career at Arsenal didn’t yield as much silverware as expected, Walcott played an integral role during his time with the club.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s impact at Arsenal was immediate and electrifying. Joining for £56m in January 2018, the Gabonese striker hit the ground running, scoring 14 goals in his first six months. Aubameyang went on to win the Premier League Golden Boot with 22 goals in the following season and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 2019/20 FA Cup triumph. Despite a bitter end to his tenure under Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang remains one of Arsenal’s most lethal forwards.

1. Martin Odegaard

While Martin Odegaard was signed permanently during the summer, his initial move to Arsenal came in January 2021 on a six-month loan. The Norwegian playmaker quickly elevated his game, impressing with his creativity and leadership. A permanent deal for £30m followed, and since then, Odegaard has been transformative, captaining the side and helping spearhead Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta. His ingenuity and leadership have placed him as the most impactful January signing in Arsenal’s history.