There’s been a lot of talk lately about Arsenal’s need to spend big in order to build a winning team. And Mikel Arteta, the manager of the club, seems to agree.
In a recent interview, Arteta spoke about Arsenal’s need to invest in the team if they want to compete with the best teams in the Premier League.
“We will see what happens in the transfer window,” Arteta said. “But for me, if we want to achieve the goals we have, we need to spend big.”
This statement may come as a surprise to some fans, who have become used to Arsenal’s frugal approach to transfers in recent years.
However, it’s important to remember that Arsenal were once one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League. During Arsene Wenger’s reign, the club spent big on players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires.
But in recent years, Arsenal’s transfer policy has become more cautious. The club has focused on signing young players with potential, rather than established stars.
While this approach has brought some success – the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe being notable bright spots – it hasn’t been enough to transform Arsenal into a title-winning side.
Why Arsenal Need to Change Their Transfer Policy
The main reason is competition. The Premier League has become more competitive than ever in recent years, with several clubs – including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea – spending big on world-class players.
If Arsenal want to compete with these teams, they need to match their spending power. Otherwise, they risk falling further behind and becoming a mid-table side.
Another factor to consider is the fans. Arsenal supporters have grown restless in recent years, with many calling for the club to be more ambitious in the transfer market.
If Arsenal want to keep their fans happy and engaged, they need to show that they’re willing to invest in the team and compete for titles.
What Kind of Players Should Arsenal Sign?
If Arsenal do decide to spend big in the transfer market, what kind of players should they target?
For a start, they need to focus on the areas of the team that need strengthening. Arsenal have a number of talented attacking players, but they lack quality in defence and midfield.
Arteta has already hinted that he wants to sign a new central midfielder, and there’s a strong case to be made for signing a new centre-back as well. Both positions are crucial if Arsenal want to improve their defensive record and control games better.
In terms of specific players, there are a number of options that Arsenal could consider. Yves Bissouma, the Brighton midfielder, has been linked with the club in recent months and could be a good fit for Arteta’s system.
Other potential targets include Issa Diop, and Pau Torres, all of whom are young defenders with plenty of potential.
In midfield, Ruben Neves has been mentioned as a possible target, while Houssem Aouar could also be an option if Lyon are willing to sell.
Of course, signing these players won’t be cheap. But if Arsenal want to build a winning team, they need to be willing to spend the money.
The Potential Benefits of Changing Arsenal’s Transfer Policy
If Arsenal do decide to change their transfer policy and start spending big, what kind of benefits could it bring?
For a start, it would give the team a much-needed injection of quality. While Arsenal have some talented players, they lack the kind of world-class stars that can make the difference in big games.
Signing top-quality players would also send a message to the rest of the Premier League that Arsenal are serious about competing for titles.
Another potential benefit is that it could help to keep key players at the club. Arsenal have a number of talented players who are approaching the end of their contracts, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
If Arsenal show that they’re willing to invest in the team and compete for titles, it could convince these players to stay and commit their futures to the club.
Finally, changing their transfer policy could re-engage the fans and bring some much-needed positivity back to the club. Arsenal supporters have been starved of success in recent years, and a big-name signing or two could help to reignite their passion for the team.
