Mikel Arteta warned they could face potential BAN and Points Deduction like Everton if Arsenal goes ahead to…
Arsenal’s January transfer move for Napoli star Victor Osimhen could be in jeopardy due to their own financial investment and plan to avoid any potential punishments around the corner. It comes as the Premier League have begun to crack down on the rules surrounding profit and sustainability (PSR).
Everton were sent to an independent panel in March for an alleged breaching of PSR, with that hearing taking place over October. It was determined that the Toffees had made losses in £20million excess of the £105million limit for any given three-year period, resulting in a ten-point deduction that is now subject to appeal.
There’s the case of Manchester City, who have been under investigation from the Premier League, with their findings bringing 115 charges against the club in February. Those allegations are still to be heard by a panel, which will likely be a long and winding legal process.
The past few months have displayed how the Premier League are looking to take their rules seriously, with clubs having to be more diligent than ever that they are following them. In the case of Arsenal, the plan has been clear that they know how much they can spend and where.
Roughly £200million was invested in the squad over the summer, with a few outgoings helping to balance the books, but one deal, in particular, is indicative of how the deals are being managed. That of David Raya, who joined the Gunners on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
With Arsenal likely to trigger the permanent signing next summer, the loan means they have the goalkeeper for the season without having to count the transfer value towards PSR until next season when the permanent deal starts. That would be different if it was an obligation to buy, as UEFA rules state that the value counts from when the loan deal starts instead.
It indicates a clear plan that the side can work within, only explained further by the Athletic’s David Ornstein, who said in a recent question and answer session: “Judging by their most recent signing David Raya being a loan for PSR purposes, I imagine Arsenal, who have always been very diligent around this subject, are among a number of clubs sailing close to the wind.
“As previously mentioned on here, my understanding is that once Arsenal have proper financial manoeuvrability again the first thing they are committed to doing is turn the Raya deal permanent. After that, let’s see what shape they’re in and whether creativity is needed (i.e. sales to raise funds). KSE (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment) has shown its willingness to invest, pretty much since taking full ownership in 2018 but, as we know, it is not as straight forward as that.”
If it is the case that Arsenal are having to work within their means, it could put any deal for Osimhen in danger come the January transfer window. The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Nigerian international to help bolster their ranks for the second half of the season.
However, the reality is that he could cost somewhere upwards of £100million, despite having just over one year remaining on his contract. Should Arsenal decide to trigger that and become in breach of PSR over their three-year period, it could well bring about a repeat of the points deduction that Everton were given.
If that is truly the case or not remains to be seen, but it’s clear now that teams have to be careful when confronting their finances in the future.