Transfer insider Dean Jones has expressed his concerns when it comes to Arsenal and their ability to navigate the transfer market.
This summer is set to be a massive one for the Gunners as they look to bounce back from what was a very disappointing season for them, made all the harder by the fact they have no European football to look forward to in 2021/22 and boss Mikel Arteta’s position potentially in doubt if he isn’t able to improve things.
A big overhaul is planned at the Emirates, but speaking on the latest edition of Touchline Talk, Jones expressed his concern that they may not be able to pull it off, partly because he doesn’t think Arsenal will be in a position to attract players to come to the club:
“I’m not sure what kind of player that Arsenal can attract right now. I think there’s concern about the ability of Edu and Arteta to overhaul this squad. I’m told they could make as many as five new signings this summer, that could be the aim because of the overhaul that they’re looking at and the players that they’re already looking to get out of the club.
“They could have some reasonable money to spend but who is it on? Because they’re not shopping at the same places as the rest of the traditional top six anymore. They can’t turn the heads of the players that they could once turn.”
Is Mikel Arteta the right man to take Arsenal forward?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Dean Jones’ comments about Arsenal this summer…
Jones’ point is perhaps best exemplified by the saga surrounding Emiliano Buendía and his move to Aston Villa despite Arsenal having been long-term admirers for him. If that can happen once with someone like Buendía, then who’s to say that it won’t happen again and again for players they are targeting this summer?
That’s why player sales are so important for the club, because they might need every penny that they can get. With Arsenal not having a lot to offer in terms of on the pitch, they may have to resort to overpaying for players simply to get them through the door, which in itself represents a huge gamble given the state the club are in financially.
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