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After Arsenal’s failure to buy big in the summer transfer window, the fans have expressed their anger towards the club’s transfer policy.
Arsenal was the only club in Europe’s top five leagues that did not sign a first-team outfield player, much to the surprise of the footballing world and anger of the club’s fans.
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust have now released a statement urging the board to review their lack of activity in the transfer window.
It read:
“Arsenal are in a very strong financial position thanks and it is of course disappointing that the transfer window has closed with just the signing of Petr Cech.
‘Arsenal have built a strong squad and just one or two more good additions would have strengthened the chances of winning a first title in 11 years.
‘No one wants Arsenal to buy players just for the sake of it, but we do want to see the money being invested to make the club stronger.’
Former Chelsea goalie Cech was Arsenal’s only signing in a £10million deal.
Lens youngsters Jeff-Reine-Adelaide and Yassin Fortune both joined in a combined £3m deal, while Ajax’s Donyell Malen signed a scholarship deal at the Emirates Stadium.
But none of these players will play in the first team and they will spend the beginning of their Arsenal careers in the development squads.
AST continued:
‘This isn’t an issue that affects just one transfer window and seems to indicate a wider structural issue. In recent years Arsenal have overhauled both their Academy and their medical set-up.
‘We urge the board to now open a full review into its arrangements for scouting and purchasing players.
‘A review of this type is a good governance practice and can only help Arsenal to become a stronger club. The AST will be raising this with the Arsenal board.
‘Now that the window is closed the squad is as it is. Arsenal have a strong squad that has recently won silverware and we urge all fans to get behind the team over the rest of the season.’