Although it seems as if Arsenal are gearing up for another big summer transfer window, there are some concerns that Profit and Sustainability Rules could limit spending.
Mikel Arteta will perhaps require two or three marquee signings in order to go one step further in lifting the Premier League title next season.
A new striker is thought to be on the agenda, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko thought to be among the club’s favourites.
But how much do Arsenal actually have to spend? According to the figures reported, Arteta spent around £200m last summer, but is it viable for the club to do the same again?
Arsenal have been quoted as much as £171m for Isak by Newcastle, an amount they surely wouldn’t pay for any player right now.
READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every first-team player in the transfer market
Arsenal’s transfer budget this summer
Arsenal’s net spend last season was among the highest in the Premier League, only to be dwarfed by Chelsea’s.
And ahead of the summer window commencing, when Arsenal are thought to have some expensive targets, the Premier League’s new PSR parameters could have an impact on the amount of money available.
TBR Football Finance Expert Adam Williams explains, telling Arsenal Insider: “At present, uncertainty surrounds Arsenal’s capacity to spend big in the summer because of ambiguity around the direction of the Premier League’s PSR.
“A motion at the league’s June 6th AGM may introduce a squad cost control ratio and financial anchoring system, but specifics are undecided.
“The anchoring system will link Arsenal’s maximum spend to a multiple of the lowest-earning club’s TV revenue.
“Another motion suggests maintaining the current system of allowable losses but raising the threshold from £105m to £135m. Although, it would be a surprise if that plan is pursued.
“Arsenal have posted losses of close to £200m over the last three seasons, which most analysis puts them somewhere between £54m and £66m over the squad cost control ratio.
“However, those figures are based on last season’s accounts. The club’s return to the Champions League in 2023-24 means that deficit will be more modest in reality, if not eliminated entirely.
“In simple terms, I would expect to see Arsenal’s net spend be roughly equivalent to what we saw last season. If they are more restrained, it will not be by a significant degree.”
Benjamin Sesko could be signed alongside Bruno Guimaraes
For fans of the club, this be welcome news, considering Arsenal’s net spend was thought to be around £125m last season – a figure negated by nearly £80m in player sales.
Therefore, with that kind of budget, pursuing Sesko – a cheaper alternative to Isak, would seem a good call.
Sesko’s release clause has recently increased to £55m, a figure that could still represent value.
And with player sales in mind, including Eddie Nketiah who has considerable interest, perhaps Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes could also be signed alongside.
It’s all very hypothetical for now, but clearly Arsenal will have some wriggle room.
And when considering cost-effective alternatives, Arsenal are now in talks with Monaco regarding a deal for Youssouf Fofana.