Football
27th Jul 2016
Having tied up a £35m deal for Granit Xhaka before the Euros, Arsenal supporters have watched on as the likes of N’Golo Kante and Gonzalo Higuain have moved elsewhere the summer.
And if the words of their chief executive are anything to go by, Gooners had better get used to watching other clubs splash the cash on players instead of them.
Ivan Gazidis was speaking to the New York Times recently, and admitted that Arsenal simply can’t compete with some of the fees being offered by rival clubs.
“We can’t afford to outgun competitors that have far more money. We have to be very careful, very selective,” the 51-year-old said.
It goes without saying that Arsenal’s supporters weren’t all that chuffed about Gazidis’ comments.
If Gazidis is saying Arsenal can't compete with richer clubs then his project to do so has failed so he & the board need to resign.
— MB (@1burnm) July 27, 2016
(Ivan Gazidis + Kronke) × Wenger = Pure Shit.
— Thabo Ed Mmolai (@temmolai) July 27, 2016
Whilst I understand the context of Gazidis' words, the timing of today's quotes aren't great. Particularly, as we still need to strengthen.
— 1886 (@1886_blog) July 27, 2016
Would love Wenger, Gazidis & Kronke all to fuck off. Usmanov and Simone in. Spend big, win trophies.
— LL (@lukelondon_) July 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/andyjacksson/status/758239214215565312
Everyone knows #Arsenal have got loads of money. These interviews just makes us look petty and small. Honestly embarassing. #afc #Gazidis
— ArseNorth (@ArsenalScandi) July 27, 2016
And of course, such a debate wouldn’t be complete without the input of Piers Morgan, would it?
I can't be bothered to even get annoyed by these pathetic excuses any more. https://t.co/dK5VRp5Qdq
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 27, 2016
Gazidis’ comments are a far cry from what he said three years ago. In 2013, he suggested a willingness to ‘escalate’ their spending.
“This year we are beginning to see something we have been planning for some time – the escalation in our financial firepower.
“That is going to happen partly into next season, it is part way available now in the summer, but the following season as well.”
All this said, it’s still being reported that Arsene Wenger remains in the hunt for Lyon striker, Alexandre Lacazette. The French striker was the subject of a £29m bid from Arsenal earlier in the week – which was publicly rejected by the club – and reports on Wednesday suggest a second bid is imminent.
Arsenal are also believed to be in the market for a centre half after it emerged that Per Mertesacker will be on the sidelines until as late as Christmas following an injury sustained in the preseason outing against Lens.
