Gazidis: Arsenal cannot afford to splash the cash

It is 12 years and counting since Arsenal last lifted the Premier League title and their fans’ frustration will be intensified after chief executive Ivan Gazidis revealed fears the club cannot keep up with the spending power of their title rivals. 

The Gunners, who did not sign an outfield player last season, looked to be heading for a clear change of direction after a £35m deal to sign midfielder Granit Xhaka was completed within days of the 2015/16 season finishing.

Granit Xhaka could be Arsenal’s one and only big summer splash

But, after the club missed out on luring striker Jamie Vardy away from Premier League champions Leicester City, all has gone a little quiet in North London.

Their pursuit of Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette looks to be fruitless, with the Ligue 1 club insistent their prize asset is not for sale.

And, while Manchester United look set to break the all-time transfer record to sign midfielder Paul Pogba, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have already been splashing considerable amounts of cash to strengthen their squads.

But it would appear Arsenal are not about to do the same.

“We can’t afford to outgun competitors that have far more money,” said Gazidis.  “We have to be very careful, very selective.”