Reports in France suggest that Arsenal are preparing to seriously flex their financial muscle in the transfer market this summer, with an offer being prepared for Riyad Mahrez.
The report suggests that Arsenal are readying a bid for the in-demand Algerian but doesn’t go much further, or mention a possible fee.
It does go on to say that Arsenal are also eyeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It’s fair to say that to have a realistic chance of signing this duo, the Gunners would need to spend around £100million. That, is allegedly the clubs entire budget for the summer and with a central midfielder and central defender also needed, it is hard to believe that Wenger (if in charge) would want to spend so much on two targets.
One way of freeing up funds could be by selling some of the clubs more valuable assets. Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are two names linked with the exit door, that duo could raise around £40million for the coffers. The futures of high-earning duo Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud are also in doubt – clearing all four of these players out would free up nearly £400,000 per week in wages. But will Wenger give up on these players that he signed?
Le10Sport, the source of the Mahrez and Aubameyang story, have previously ran correct exclusives, but they are far from perfect. I wouldn’t buy the T-Shirts just yet.