Ex-Arsenal winger Perry Groves doesn’t think the North London side will be able to compete with the top four in the transfer market.
Despite former Arsenal chairman David Dein stating Arsene Wenger will spend big this summer and reports circulating the manager has around £70million to play with, ex-player Perry Groves thinks it won’t be quite that simple.
Groves has highlighted some pitfalls for Wenger even if he does have increased funds and the former winger still doesn’t think the Gunners will challenge with the top English sides in the transfer market.
“Arsene Wenger will try to spend big, but the players he will be in for, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea will be in for as well,” Groves told TalkSport.
“I think Arsenal will have to take the second tier players.
“If Arsene thinks a player is worth £10m, he won’t pay more than that, whereas managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp will.”
Arsenal have had difficulty in the last few seasons holding onto their big name players, with Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song and Robin Van Persie all departing the club for big transfer fees.
Whilst this has helped make the club financially stable it hasn’t helped them win trophies, with Gunners’ fans preparing for an eighth successive year with no silverware.
The faithful at the Emirates Stadium may have looked forward to next season after a proposed big summer of spending, but Groves’ damning report on Arsenal’s transfer chances may once again dampen their spirits.
Arsene Wenger’s first priority for attracting bigger players will be to get his side into the Champions League for next season and with the club just two points out of the top four with a game in hand, that is still very achievable.
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