Arsenal dealt £20m transfer windfall 'blow' as rivals 'make decision' over fringe star


Arsenal have reportedly suffered a blow in their bid to bring in further cash this summer. The Gunners have spent significantly over the course of the last 18 months, with more than £200million spent last summer and around £70million spent so far this window.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to end Arsenal’s wait for another Premier League title having come close in each of the last two seasons. Talented players are required to achieve such a feat, especially with Manchester City having a stranglehold on top spot.
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Hide AdBut like all of their rivals, Arsenal must manage spending with financial rules, and the Premier League have shown that Profit and Sustainability rules are not just words on a page, already issuing three points deductions last season.
As part of that, and as Arsenal look to add to their spending bill with the potential arrival of Mikel Merino and a striker, the Gunners must make sure they are balancing the books with outgoings. Emile Smith Rowe’s departure has helped, with the midfielder joining Fulham on a deal worth around £34million.
But there are plenty of others who have not been shifted just yet with the clock ticking in the summer window. Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are all reportedly on the transfer list, but finding buyers willing to meet asking prices is a big challenge.
That is proving to be the case with Nelson, who has struggled for regular playing opportunities behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. A departure has been mooted, but Football.London report that Leicester City’s interest in the winger has ‘cooled’. The Foxes were the only real link with Nelson after West Ham turned elsewhere.
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Hide AdArsenal are said to want around £20million, but a loan to buy deal may be the most likely option at this stage. The news will be a blow for Arsenal as they look to balance the books, and it may also be a blow in their bid to add competition out wide this summer. Nelson may have to remain as the competition if the Gunners are not able to raise more money, with other positions also in need of addressing.
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