The 2021/22 season was one of progress for Arsenal, following a summer of mass changes in a bid to be competitive once again. While that was largely achieved, Mikel Arteta ’s men missed out on Champions League football at the last hurdle, resulting in a return to Europa League football next campaign.
European football next season will only add more fixture congestion to an already thin squad, outlining the need for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window. Discussing plans for the market, the Spaniard said: “We are going to have certain resources, not unlimited resources, some resources. And with our resources we have to play and do what we have to do in the best possible way.
“We don't know what the rest are going to have in terms of resources, which I'm assuming is going to be challenging because now it's not a top three or top four league. Now it is a top eight or 10 teams that are involved. That's why we have to find a way to do again what we did last summer.”
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While funds aren’t unlimited, the need for strength in depth is clear, based on the trouble a few key injuries caused late into the season. On top of that, a striker may be in demand, due to goal scoring worries and the potential departure of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
However, according to The Sun, Arteta will have to raise £60million using players in his squad to help fund his dream summer. Should he achieve that, it could allow the manager as much as £150million to play with in the window, with as many as nine players free to leave.
Those squad members mentioned are fringe players and those who have been on loan, such as William Saliba, Lucas Torreira and Hector Bellerin. That would allow the Gunners to switch their attention to incomings.
The report adds that former Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham is at the top of the list for a striker, having impressed at AS Roma in his debut season with the club. The 24-year-old scored 27 goals across all competitions, ending the campaign with the most goals scored by an Englishman in Italy.
Whether he makes the switch remains to be seen, however it is clear that the north London outfit are going to have to be clever with their budget over the break.
