If anyone needed reminding of just how far Arsenal have fallen behind in stature, they need only look at Liverpool’s recent success in the transfer market and persistent rumours of more significant additions.
Jurgen Klopp’s savvy purchase of Brazilian midfield talent Fabinho, from Monaco, is more proof that Arsenal are less likely to snap up the caliber of player to match their inflated ambitions. It’s said that the Merseyside team are now in prime position to sign Frenchman Nabil Fekir, a player who was on Arsenal’s radar for the majority of this season.
Liverpool’s failure to win the Champions League has apparently not damaged their ability to secure the services of the Worlds emerging football talent, whereas Arsenal appear to be struggling somewhat. Last time around, it was Thomas Lemar who managed to slip through the Gunners fingers. This time it’s the turn of Fabinho with yet another late bid.
It’s obvious that the impact of not qualifying for the Champions League has seriously hampered the North London club and even the appointment of Unai Emery has so far failed to attract key personnel. Add to this that the persuasive powers of Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, appears to be unable to clinch the signatures of such talent and it would appear that the mountain Arsenal have to climb, just grew slightly taller.
It’s to be expected. When Arsenal were a serious threat to Ferguson’s United in the mid 90’s, a role at Arsenal was seen as a dream move but these days it has a degree of risk attached for ambitious young players who don’t want to fritter away three seasons of a short-lived career, waiting for success that may never come.
There’s no doubt that ‘Diamond Eye’ will unearth talent and bring them to north London but disappointingly, it may have to come from the level below the one that the top five clubs can draw upon. All of those clubs seem more attractive at this point in terms of their ability to challenge for top honours and they can obviously offer a far more attractive financial package.
Rumours that Arsenal only have £50 million to spend in this transfer window is hardly helping the cause. It’s not really a secret that Emery will have to sell before buying and it’s said that at least three or four players from the first team may make way for new acquisitions.
I prefer to think that Arsenal will eventually spend between £70 and £100 Million on the understanding that at least half the amount is offset against sales. Such was the way of Arsenal during the Wenger years and the former boss was extremely adept at balancing the books, something Emery will have to learn rather quickly.
Before we become too disillusioned by these failures, let’s consider the wealth of talent emerging from the academy and if handled correctly, two or three players could potentially be as good as any new signing Arsenal could potentially make elsewhere.
In particular, Maitland-Niles would seem the most likely to emerge for a season long run but Reiss Nelson is also knocking loudly on the door.
Emery and Mislintat have already been in discussion about a group of academy players, of which Mislintat has observed closely since his arrival. It’s said that he has made suggestions to the coach and that both will work closely to develop the talent at Arsenal’s disposal, a complete contrast to the relationship between the German and the former Arsenal boss. It may be a difficult few months ahead in the transfer market but Arsenal’s head of recruitment has contacts around the globe and he is not adverse to flying off at a moments notice to pursue the right player.
