Arsenal didn’t sign a player this January, but are expected to more than make up for it in the summer, according to reports.
The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta and Edu, could have £180 million to spend before any sales, as they look to complete the major squad overhaul that began last summer.
According to The Sun, ‘Billionaire owner Stan Kroenke is keen to show his faith in manager Mikel Arteta by providing the funds for a major squad upgrade.’
And the recruitment team have allegedly lined up moves for striking duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, who they were linked with throughout January, as well as Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
This could take their spend on the squad to well over £300 million in the three years Mikel Arteta has been in charge, having splashed out £130 million on 6 new players before this season, and having taken in little money in terms of transfer fees received for those let go.
➡️ Money out: £200m
⬅️ Money in: £0It’s hard to believe Arsenal didn’t receive a single transfer free for any of these players ? pic.twitter.com/Zpz6QLRasH
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 2, 2022
How realistic is this?
In short, not very. It is well known that Arsenal are going to need two new strikers come the summer, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both showing no signs of signing new deals to replace those that run out in June.
However, it is unlikely that the Gunners opt for two top-end strikers to rotate in their one striker formation, and certainly not two at the premium that both Isak and Calvert-Lewin would come in at.
Rather, Arsenal could well move for one of them, and then recruit another, more cut-price option to act as a foil.
Either way, it is shaping up to be another rollercoaster transfer window for Arsenal fans.
