Arteta hints at further additions at Arsenal - despite FFP concerns
Nicolas Pépé’s loan to Nice has opened the door for Arsenal to find a replacement, with Mikel Arteta not fearing UEFA sanctions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at further new additions to his squad before the transfer window closes, despite concerns of Financial Fair Play breaches. The Gunners have reportedly come under attention from UEFA over heavily spending in the past year after the sport’s governing body created a watchlist of clubs they will keep a closer eye on.
Like many in the coronavirus period, Arsenal sustained significant losses during the past three years but that has not halted a major overhaul in the squad – ousting high earners like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while splashing the cash to land additions such as Gabriel Jesus. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that Arsenal will be hit by UEFA sanctions and Arteta is confident that will remain the case.
“We are compliant, and we have heard nothing so I don’t know what that is,” he said at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Premier League clash against Fulham. Pressed on whether it would affect Arsenal’s activity in the market, the Spaniard added: “I think the club has been very disciplined and with a very clear vision of how we want to do things. In that sense nothing changes.”
Pépé makes Nice move
Arsenal’s activity in the transfer window has continued this week with outgoings, the most notable of which being the loan of club-record signing Nicolas Pépé to Nice. Three years after splashing £72million to land the Ivory Coast international from Lille, the Gunners are moving on from the signing made prior to the arrival of Arteta and sporting director Edu – with a replacement being targeted. “If we can implement the plan that we have we will try to do it. In that plan, [Pépé leaving] was something that could happen, and now it’s a reality. We’ve been preparing for the last two months and now we will see.”
Héctor Bellerín and Ainsley Maitland-Niles remain among those who may be surplus to requirements in north London and further exits could be witnessed in the final week of the window. “There are still a few players where we’re discussing their futures and we want to find the best solution for all parties,” Arteta explained.