Frenchman reportedly has considerable financial backing this summer.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says boss Arsene Wenger is “not scared to spend money” this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The Gunners have often been criticised for their hesitance in the transfer market, but have made it clear that they are in a much healthier financial position this summer and would be willing to compete for high-profile signings with their Premier League rivals.
The north-London club are still desperate to end their wait for a trophy, but Gazidis has emphasised that just because money is available, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Wenger will splurge this summer.
“Arsene is not scared to spend money but he has to believe they are top-class players who will add to the squad,” he said in a meeting of the club’s supporter group and shareholders.
“Can I guarantee he will spend all of the money available to him? That depends on the talent.
“Arsene has done an outstanding job to make sure Arsenal stay in the mix with the top teams – not where we want to be, but in the mix – on a relatively limited budget.”
While Arsenal fans will be buoyed by Gazidis’ comments, it appears the club are ready to make the push forward in order to compete for silverware.
By allowing the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Denilson to leave the club, it would appear they are making room for new signings ahead of next season with speculation linking them with names across Europe.
Wenger has proven himself as a shrewd mover in the transfer market previously, but will now have additional firepower to chase big-name targets with a view to achieving more than last-day drama to clinch fourth spot in the Premier League.
“We have been consistent, in that we haven’t slid backwards or gone forwards. Now we need to go forwards.
“It is not enough to watch a video of a last-minute scramble to get over the line and into fourth place,” Gazidis concluded.
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