The frustration of the January window has not ebbed away in the days since it slammed shut on Monday night. However, greater perspective is coming through and reflection on previous errors in the market being avoided are starting to be appreciated.
Arsenal shifted on yet more surplus players from the squad, trimming those who Mikel Arteta has deemed unnecessary and, importantly, a drain on the club’s financial resources.
Most impactful of all was the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who, according to The Times, cost Arsenal a figure in the region of £7 million in order to cancel his contract and allow him to sign for Barcelona on a free move.
Furthermore, in the last two years, Aubameyang has been the latest in a long line of big earners who have left the team. Mesut Ozil, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac and Willian to name a few.
This has represented a huge amount of money saved by the club, showing major faith in manager Mikel Arteta and his vision for the group.
In fact, more than £44 million has been trimmed from the yearly salary. According to Spotrac, Arsenal had a wage bill in 2020/21 of £131,899,273.
Since the major removal of the aforementioned players, that number has fallen to £87,441,273 in 2021/22. This is also before Aubameyang’s wage contribution is removed, although the reported mutual termination settlement approximately covers the difference for the rest of this season.
Yet, in the summer, the Gabonese forwards approximate £350,000 maximum wages will no longer be on the bill opening up more opportunities for investment.
With no major incomings this winter, fan expectation will only grow that the Gunners will again break their record for spending in a single window.
Around £150 million was spent on six players in the summer of 2021 and with needs at striker, midfield and defence, after further sales and departures, 2022 could be primed to provide another ambitious transfer window.
The striker role is set to be the main focus for the club with Aubameyang gone and both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s contracts set to expire with no renewals likely at this stage.
The winter pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic ended in failure and Arsenal decided not to push ahead with further investment and pay over the odds to reach Alexander Isak’s £75 million release clause. A price considered nearly double his current market value.
Yet with three forwards out the door, one sole striker will not be enough. Folarin Balogun will return on loan from Middlesbrough, but the 20-year-old is not yet ready to be the club’s main option despite his talent.
Granit Xhaka continues to be tipped with a move to Roma and Jose Mourinho. Whilst Mohamed Elneny will see his deal with the north London side expire. Midfield will need to be strengthened and it is understood that Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of Youri Tielemans of Leicester City.
Wages saved. Squad trimmed. The season’s ultimate conclusion and European qualification status will be a big factor in determining what the team may look like come August.
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