Although Arsenal's recruitment policy has improved over the past couple of years, the consequences of previous decisions and insufficient demands continue to haunt the club today.
Whether it's being unable to offload or negotiate reasonable transfer fees, the Gunners' sale record has been significantly bad in recent times. It's led to unwanted players having their contracts terminated, which costs the club money, or only a very small amount of individuals leaving on permanent transfers.
Just over £150m was spent on six new signings last summer, yet only around £28m was received via departures. Joe Willock joined Newcastle for a fee in the region of £26m, while Lucas Torreira and Ainsley Maitland-Niles brought in small loan fees respectively, according to Transfermarkt.
READ MORE: Arsenal's summer plan unaffected by Dinos Mavropanos scenario as Edu targets financial boost
Even more questionable figures could come into the club again this summer. Matteo Guendouzi is currently on loan to Marseille, but the Ligue 1 side will likely trigger a permanent €11m (£9.5m) option included in the deal once the season concludes, football.london understands
Although it would mean Arsenal gain a minimal £2.5m profit on the Frenchman, Guendouzi is viewed as one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe and valued between £25m-£33.5m by CIES Football Observatory, highlighting another costly misjudgment.
However, interest in another wantaway Arsenal star could give technical director Edu the chance to make amends and rake in decent money, but it won't be straightforward.
football.london understands Borussia Dortmund and West Ham are both monitoring Konstantinos Mavropanos' progress in Germany, with a number of European clubs interested in signing the Arsenal loanee next summer. But recent reports via Kicker, claim West Ham are ready to pay just over £20m to sign the defender.
The catch is that Stuttgart already have an obligation to sign him permanently if they avoid relegation from the Bundesliga, Sven Mislintat confirmed. "We have an obligatory purchase option of €3 million if we remain in the league," he said. "There's also a free option if we get relegated. In both instances, we have the opportunity to take him. I think it's relatively clear what will happen with him."
If the German side avoids relegation, they can then sign Mavropanos in a permanent deal before selling onto West Ham for the aforementioned £20m, showcasing another instance of poor forward planning by the Gunners. I know I'm probably clutching at straws, but if Stuttgart fail to survive this season, maybe Edu can be clever and wait for an offer from West Ham to arrive before any buy option is activated.
Stuttgart currently sit 16th in the Bundesliga table, which is a relegation play-off spot. They are only two points ahead of the relegation places with three games remaining. I would be pleasantly surprised if they fail to sign Mavropanos either way, but It will certainly be interesting to see how things play out.
