The January transfer window proved to be uneventful for Arsenal, with no new signings due to challenges in complying with Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This situation may persist in the upcoming summer, presenting a potential obstacle for the team.
Recent stringent PSR and FFP regulations have posed considerable obstacles for clubs looking to make significant expenditures. Despite a desire to bolster the squad in the winter transfer window, Arsenal’s inability to secure funds for major additions was influenced by their substantial spending in the previous summer, exceeding £200 million with minimal returns from player sales.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Arsenal plans to actively participate, aiming for a more favorable financial position with respect to FFP and PSR. To achieve this, there are considerations to sell two homegrown talents, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, according to The Athletic. The sale of academy graduates like Nketiah would provide a substantial boost to Arsenal’s financial standing, as the revenue generated from such sales would be recorded as pure profit.
Historically, player sales have been a significant concern for Arsenal, with notable departures including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alex Iwobi, and Folarin Balogun. However, the combined proceeds from these sales amounted to just £109 million, highlighting the financial challenges the club has faced.
While the potential sale of Eddie Nketiah may not bring substantial returns, reports suggest that the English striker is valued between £30 million and £35 million. This amount could prove instrumental for Arsenal in their pursuit of an elite striker for the upcoming season, addressing a longstanding issue with acquiring top-quality forwards.