Arsenal ‘can spend what they want’ in transfer window: Heavy investment update
Arsenal fans have received an insight into how their club might be able to invest in the summer transfer window from football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
The Gunners had a quiet period in the transfer window during January, failing to bring in a single senior player.
That was despite the fact that Arsenal did have a bid for Ollie Watkins rejected by Aston Villa late in the market.
Not bringing in a striker could prove to be costly for the club, with Kai Havertz recently joining Arsenal’s long list of injured attackers.
However, it appears as though those at the Emirates Stadium will have scope to spend big when the market reopens again at the end of this season.
Kieran Maguire reacts to Arsenal financial update
With the Gunners releasing their latest financial accounts this week, it was revealed that the club recorded revenue of over £600million but made a loss of £17.7million over the last financial year.
After what happened in January, many fans of the club will want to know how that might affect Arsenal in the next transfer market.
The introduction of PSR and APT rules – which are still the subject of legal battles – in recent years has seen a number of clubs limited in terms of how they are able to add to their squad in the window.
Maguire though believes that on the back of these figures that ought not to be a problem for Mikel Arteta‘s side come the summer.
After being asked if Arsenal are in a good position to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, the football finance expert told The Standard: “Yes. They have got no cost control concerns whatsoever, would be my observation.
“The wages are well under control. They have used Stan Kroenke as their lender. Whether that is going to go ahead, we will have to wait for the ruling on the new associated party transactions rules.
“But even if that goes in favour of the Premier League, I don’t see Arsenal have any problems at all. They are in a very strong financial position to spend what they want.
“They spent £256m last season and £251m the previous season. They have certainly got the capacity to invest heavily in the market – should they wish to do so. They have the capacity.
“But it, as we have seen with other clubs, is about spending it well rather than spending it big that ultimately matters. Spending it big and well is the absolute sweet spot.”
Mikel Arteta will expect Arsenal investment in the summer
Football Insider Verdict
There will be plenty of disappointment around the Emirates if the Gunners do not invest heavily in the summer transfer window.
This season has once again underlined the fact that Arteta’s side are very close to ending their long wait for a major trophy.
However, it does still feel as though Arsenal do need just a little bit more if they are to finally push themselves over the line, as exemplifed by the situation in attack.
Given this update suggests there will be no reason for them not to spend in the summer transfer window, questions will be asked if some new additions are not brought to the club.
That though would then leave Arteta with no excuses if Arsenal do not claim a trophy by the end of next season.