Arsenal manager Unai Emery has made a rather stunning revelation after informing journalists at a press conference held earlier today the Gunners could “only do” loan signings in the ongoing winter transfer window, and would not be in a position to sign any players permanently by paying a transfer fee.
It does sound bizarre for a fan- Arsenal are easily one of the biggest clubs in the world (6th according to Deloitte’s Money League table), are based in London, and are worth over £2bn, but can’t afford to pay a transfer fee for new signings.
In fact Mundo Deportivo in Spain report that one of the key disagreements between Barca and Arsenal over Denis Suarez is because of this stance- Arsenal want a free loan with no purchase clause (or an optional one), while the Catalan giants want a loan fee and a mandatory purchase clause.
Denis Suarez is reportedly valued at around £20m. To put that figure into context, Bournemouth, whom no one would consider as Arsenal’s peers, have just spent £19m in acquiring Dominic Solanke from Liverpool. It’s hard to stomach for ordinary Arsenal fans, and the anger against their owners might just increase after this latest revelation.
Despite playing some attractive football under Emery, the Gunners are fifth in the table, and suffered a chastening 5-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool a fortnight ago. With United enjoying a mini revival under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (whom they’ll also play in the fourth round of the FA Cup), Arsenal may again end up missing on the Champions League. They do need some reinforcements, particularly on the wing and in defence, but would they able to get back in the CL with loan signings alone?