Could Arsenal have spent their summer transfer budget better?

Granit Xhaka came very close to a move Roma this summer

Could Arsenal have spent their summer transfer budget better?

After a miserable, winless start to the season, it is understandable that so many fans are already questioning the club’s recruitment policy during the summer.

Money was certainly spent, with Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Nuno Tavares all arriving, costing an estimated combined total of £143million.

Those at the club, and the majority of the Arsenal fanbase, also know that the first-team squad is still going through a rebuilding phase.

But doesn’t that actually make getting the right players in, for the right money, even more important than normal.

The board have given over a hefty transfer budget, with the fanbase disillusioned, not helped by the European Super League debacle in April.

But could the recruitment team have spent the money available in a more efficient way? Could they have done more to help improve Mikel Arteta’s team?

Yes – the club could have spent the budget better

A re-organisation of the playing squad was always needed this summer.

But one disappointing reflection, following the summer transfer business, is that the spine of the team is no stronger than it was last season.

Granit Xhaka still offers the most experience, and possibly leadership, in midfield. While up front the same strike force will once again shoulder the goalscoring responsibilities.

A lot of Arsenal’s incomings were on the youthful end of the spectrum, Aaron Ramsdale (23), Nuno Tavares (21) and Albert Sambi Lokonga (21) all have time on their side.

But is that actually what was needed this summer?

The squad from last season had promising young talent such as; Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard, the latter having since re-signed permanently.

What this group needed was one or two heavyweight signings, with experience of winning trophies, or at least playing regular Champions League football.

Bringing up the average age wouldn’t have instantly negated the long-term strategy, but could have helped ease the pressure on the group already in place at the start of this season.

Spending more than £130m on just two or three individuals that would have instantly strengthened the spine of first choice XI, perhaps should have been the path followed by Arteta and his recruitment team.

No – the club spent the budget as well as they could have

It is clear that Arsenal should be bringing in higher quality players.

There is a belief that if the club had signed fewer players (two or three) for a bit more money, and with a bit more quality – the squad would be in a much better state.

The harsh reality is, Arsenal are now not in position where they can guarantee top level Champions League-quality players, to walk through the door at the Emirates.

It always worth remembering it is only worth signing players who improve the team, something quickly forgotten by many during the hype of the summer transfer window with no football to focus on.

Realistically, it would be difficult for the Gunners to sign a forward player, who would be a guaranteed upgrade on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Nicolas Pépé.

In addition, selling clubs know Arsenal have money and are keen to appease fans, as well as give Arteta an XI that can actually compete for European football. This means players are naturally more expensive.

A lot was made of the price tag for Ben White, a £50m addition to the backline, but that is the reality of the market.

When Nathan Ake costs Manchester City £41m after spending a season playing for a relegated team, can you expect White, straight off the back of impressive season and an England call-up, to be cheaper? 

Verdict

It is hard to review the AFC summer transfer strategy and not get a feeling of what might have been.

Serious cash was invested but the team doesn’t appear to be hugely improved on the one that spent most of last season struggling.

Therefore, it is hard to make a strong case that Arsenal could not have spent their transfer budget more economically.

Equally though, it should not be labelled as a write off by supporters.

Often the best recruitment in football is done when a club balances the mix between ‘safe’ signings and riskier ‘gambles’.

The signings of Martin Odegaard (successful loan spell last season) and Ben White (young defender with potential but also expensive) can be filed into each respectively.

In that respect, only time will tell whether this transfer window can be classed as a success for Arsenal.

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