Ethan is a football journalist at Football FanCast specialising in opinion-led features, tactical analysis and Premier League coverage. A graduate of the University of Derby's Football Journalism course, he has developed experience covering multiple levels of English football, from non-league to the Premier League.  

Ethan began his career as a media assistant at Mickleover Sports and an EFL reporter for VAVEL. After graduating in 2023, he spent six months covering the Premier League for GRV Media before joining Football FanCast in February 2024.
 

Since joining the publication, Ethan has focused on producing in-depth football features, combining statistical analysis with informed opinions on players, clubs and performances. A lifelong Nottingham Forest supporter and season-ticket holder, he brings first-hand experience of matchday football and a strong understanding of the issues affecting supporters to his writi

Before the arrival of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal were a club that was languishing in mid-table and looked a million miles away from everything challenging for the Premier League title.

However, early seven years on from his appointment, the Spaniard will be hoping to ensure the Gunners finish top of the table in back-to-back campaigns.

Undoubtedly, he’s received backing from the hierarchy during the aforementioned period, but the club have been able to invest into key talents who have transformed their fortunes.

One of the big-money additions made in recent years has certainly exceeded all expectations at the Emirates and played a vital role in the club’s recent success.

Why Declan Rice has been worth every penny for Arsenal

In the summer of 2023, Arsenal completed the £105m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United, with many supporters across the country believing the figure was a massive overpay.

However, three years on, the 27-year-old has certainly proved a lot of the doubters wrong, with the England international arguably one of the best players in the division.

He’s racked up 170 appearances for the Gunners, including 36 in the Premier League last season - as he registered nine goal contributions during the title-winning campaign.

His efforts were rewarded with a 15th-place finish in last year’s Ballon d’Or standings, with Rice finishing as Arsenal’s highest-ranked player as a result.

In 2026/27, he’s carried on his tremendous contributions in attacking areas, with the midfielder already laying in four assists in his first eight league outings.

Such a record has allowed Arteta’s men to sit joint top of the table to date, and has no doubt allowed for the perfect opportunity to retain their title come the end of May.

Why Arsenal star is becoming the best signing since Rice

Since the aforementioned deal to sign Rice a couple of years ago, Arsenal have spent a pretty penny in the transfer market in their efforts to dominate England’s top-flight.

However, not all of their additions have been successful, as seen with striker Viktor Gyökeres, who’s failed to live up to his £60m price tag over the last 12 months.

The Swedish international has now fallen down Arteta’s pecking order in North London, subsequently starting just one league game during the current campaign.

Such a deal appears to be an anomaly though, as the Gunners once again worked their magic in securing a deal to sign centre-back Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa this summer.

The Englishman arrived at the Emirates for a reported £51m, with his move being made to provide competition for the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba.

However, the latter’s recent injury issues have allowed the 29-year-old to be a regular starter of late, with the defender starting all seven league games since his subsequent move.

During such a period, Konsa has managed to catch the eye and has certainly played a vital role in the club’s recent form in the Premier League.

He’s managed to come out on top of a staggering 6.1 ground duels per 90 this campaign, a figure which has placed him in the top 20% of all players in Europe’s top five leagues.

His dominance without the ball has also been reflected in his tally of 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions made per 90 - also ranking him above 80% of players in his position this term.

Konsa’s form certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by manager Arteta, who heaped praise on the defender after the recent victory over Everton at the Emirates.

The Spaniard stated: “Unbelievable. To come to a club like Arsenal with no pre-season, Saliba is here and other players, and to position yourself in that manner with the naturality he has and put in the performances he has - the chemistry with Gabi that is so solid - is so difficult to do. We’re lucky to have him.”

The £51m deal to secure his signature now looks to be similar to that of Rice, with his compatriot undoubtedly providing excellent value for money in his signature.

Saliba’s return could see him lose his starting position, but it shouldn’t be a decision Arteta takes lightly given his recent performances in his absence.