The Gunners have never been a team you notice going into the transfer window, but these last few years have seen them step it up. A big rebuild centered around Mikel Arteta means that they haven’t just spent the dough, but they’ve added a bunch of talent that seems designed to play their game. But these new arrivals are not only attracting the interest of Arsenal fans.
The betting markets have been reacting, too, and if you pay attention to football odds, you’ll have noticed the changes. Here’s a closer look at how Arsenal’s signings are transforming betting on football and for those of us betting this season.
Declan Rice
Let’s get started with the titan: Declan Rice. Arsenal were serious when signing the former West Ham captain at club-record prices. Rice is the best defensive midfielder in the world, and his arrival has already changed Arsenal’s fortunes – and those of the bettors.
With Rice at Arsenal, bookmakers raised the price, not just for individual fixtures but for the entire season. Arsenal had a chance of finishing in the top four, and their Premier League title chance was improved as well. With Rice in the midfield, Arsenal have a solid defence and bookies have got behind it. You will notice that Rice’s arrival has meant lower odds on Arsenal clean sheets and even “win to nil” bets.
As a leader who can advance and make attacks, he is a menace on several levels. If you’re a fan of first or anytime goalscorer odds, be on the lookout for Rice – he will likely come through on the odd crucial score, and the odds that he makes it might be attractive.
Kai Havertz
Another star alum this summer was Kai Havertz. Havertz played for Chelsea until he left to sign for the Gunners in London. At first glance, his selection might have seemed counterintuitive, but Arteta can see something in him to boost Arsenal’s play. And although he is still in a bit of an uncertain phase within the team, his range is already influencing markets.
Havertz can line up front-row or deeper too, which is a tough area for bettors to nail down. For some weeks, he’s a serious goal threat, but in other weeks, he could be the one creating the play. It’s an uncertainty that has affected the types of bets that are specific to players, such as assists or shots on target.
Even if you can bet on Havertz himself, his odds are good simply because you never know exactly what role he will play. His versatility means there are still chances to secure decent value in markets where his role may vary from week to week, and he is a good fit for newly registered players who just want a fighting chance of winning their bet without too much research.
Jurrien Timber
As it turned out, Jurrien Timber’s North London start was curtailed by an injury. The Ajax-adopted Dutch defender was to give Arsenal’s defence strength and versatility. It started off well and he even had a big part to play in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City. But when he injured himself in the first Premier League game, long-term punters who had backed Arsenal to win defensively were a little put out.
The absence of Timber has also caused some market fluctuations, especially in the bet markets for Arsenal’s clean sheet odds. Pre-Kerry, oddsmakers were short on Arsenal to retain shutouts, based on their better defence. This time, with Timber out, it may be a bit more generous of an option for you, although Arsenal’s back line continues to look stout with William Saliba and Ben White around.
David Raya
Among the more intriguing signings this summer was the permanent signing of David Raya. Arsenal already had a solid keeper in Aaron Ramsdale, so Raya’s arrival wasn’t exactly a straightforward move. But this change signals Arteta’s hunger for challenge at all levels, and its effect on betting markets has been noticeable.
When you have two elite goalkeepers going for the No. 1 position, you can never tell who’s going to start each game. This is what has created swinging odds in certain markets, such as the “correct score” or “both teams to score” markets. These are odds regulated by bookies according to the record of the goalkeeper, and having Raya included in the mix is exciting for punters. You might have an edge if you’re the type to bet on correct scores, so monitoring Arsenal’s starting keeper will come in handy.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s new recruits are no doubt raking in the payouts, and not just on the pitch. With Declan Rice anchoring the midfield, Kai Havertz creating confusion at the back and David Raya providing competition in goal, there’s plenty to consider when making bets.
Always monitor these players through the season, and never be afraid to adjust your strategies based on their numbers. As we see even more new signings (with a potential Franco Mastantuono contract in the works), we can expect further impacts as we move forward. See you in the next one.
