Mikel Arteta has brought world-class players to Arsenal since his return to the Emirates Stadium as manager in 2019.
The Spanish coach, on Wednesday, extended his stay at the club until at least June 2030 after leading the Gunners to the Premier League title last season.
Arteta has transformed Arsenal's transfer approach, moving them from cautious spending in the last decade to making bold investments in proven, high-quality talents.
Striver.Football ranks the top five players Arteta has recruited since he succeeded Unai Emery at the club in 2019.
5. WILLIAM SALIBA
William Saliba joined Arsenal in July 2019, just before Arteta was appointed as manager but the French defender had to wait to make his debut under the Spanish coach in 2020.
Arteta's faith in Saliba's potential was matched by patience, with the French defender enduring three loan spells in France before returning to Arsenal and establishing himself in north London in 2022.
His combination with Gabriel has been the foundation of Arsenal's high defensive line and their defensive stability.
4. MARTIN ODEGAARD
Martin Odegaard has arguably become the face of Arteta's Arsenal project. His technical quality, intelligence and ability to operate between the lines quickly made him one of the most important players in Arteta's system.
The Norwegian captain was appointed Arsenal captain in 2022, just over a year after his arrival, highlighting the level of trust the coach has placed in him.
Beyond his goals and assists, the 27-year-old gives the Gunners control in the attacking third and creates openings for the forwards.
3. DAVID RAYA
David Raya's ability to contribute to Arsenal's build-up play made him a natural fit for Arteta's possession-based approach.
In 2023, Arteta made a bold call by signing David Raya on loan from Brentford despite Aaron Ramsdale's impressive form.
However, the gamble has paid off, with Raya establishing himself as Arsenal's number 1 and the Premier League's best shot-stopper.
His importance was obvious in the 2025-26 season, where he started 37 Premier League games and won the league's Golden Glove for the third consecutive season.
2. GABRIEL MAGALHAES
Gabriel Magalhaes is another name synonymous with Arteta's Arsenal, with his physicality and aggression pivotal at the heart of the Gunners' defence.
The 28-year-old Brazilian has developed significantly since joining from Lille in 2020, and his aerial ability and willingness to attack set pieces have made him a constant threat at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal have benefitted and are still enjoying Gabriel's consistency and durability alongside Saliba in their defence.
1. DECLAN RICE
Declan Rice arrived as a statement signing of Arteta's rebuild with the Gunners smashing the former British transfer record fee to bring him for £105 million from West Ham United in 2023.
Rice's versatility has been invaluable for Arteta as he has shown that he can play effectively either as a defensive midfielder, defender, double pivot or box-to-box midfielder.
The Englishman has become a regular fixture in the Arsenal squad, starting 35 Premier League games last season and he is also a major weapon for the Gunners' set pieces, with his corner-kicks leading to goals.
