Just €80m spent in 5 years 

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Excitement is beginning to build around what could be one of the most exciting transfer windows in modern history. A number of the top Premier League clubs look set to spend big this summer. Perhaps none more so than Arsenal. On Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta challenged the Arsenal executives to “do what they have to do” in the transfer market this summer. It will be the first transfer window with new Sporting Director Andrea Berta in his position. A deal in the region of €60 million for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi looks to be all but sealed, with attention now turning to improving the forward line. An area where Arsenal have invested very little in recent seasons.

Arsenal look certain to invest in a new striker this summer, with some reports suggesting they are closing in on a deal for Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyökeres. The Gunners have also been linked with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, and are expected to bring in a winger as well as a centre-forward this window. In terms of wingers, Nico Williams, Bryan Mbeumo, Rafael Leão and Ademola Lookman have been the names most closely linked in recent weeks. This summer’s strategy will represent a change in approach from Arsenal, who haven’t invested much in attack at all of late. In fact, since January 1, 2020, 59 other clubs have spent more money on forward players (strikers and wingers) than Arteta’s team.

Most money spent on forwards this decade – Arsenal rank 60th

As illustrated in the graphic above, since 2020, Arsenal have spent just €80m on wingers and strikers, signing just six player in that timeframe. That ranks them 60th on the list. This doesn’t include the €75m signing of Kai Havertz, who counted as an attacking midfielder at the time, but has marginally played more games up front for Arsenal since. Even if we include the German, they rank 26th. The most expensive forward signed in that timeframe was Gabriel Jesus, who was brought in for €52.2m from Manchester City. The other signings include Leandro Trossard (€24m), Marquinhos (€3.5m), Willian (free transfer), and Raheem Sterling (loan). Let’s compare that to other teams spending in that department in the said period.

Big-spending Chelsea lead the way having spent €803m on forwards since 2020 – over 10 times more than Arsenal. The Blues most expensive acquisition was Romelu Lukaku for €113m from Inter Milan. PSG rank second having spent €476m on 17 forwards. Third place goes to Manchester City, who have spent €417m on 11 forwards, whilst their city rivals Manchester United are fourth having spent €347m on their front-line. Aston Villa are fifth, spending €292m on 15 forwards in the last five years.

There are a further 13 English clubs with a higher spending than Arsenal on forwards, with Tottenham (€281m), Liverpool (€246m), West Ham (€238m), Brighton (€236m), Newcastle (€231m), Leeds (€222m), Wolves (€193m), Bournemouth (€131m), Burnley (€122m) Southampton (€122m), Nottingham Forest (€106m), Brentford (€91m), and Crystal Palace (€82m) all spending more. The Gunners have had the best defence in the Premier League for the last two seasons, but to finally get over the line and win a major trophy, they might just need to start investing in their attack. A big summer awaits.