Arsenal FC is expected to be spending big in the next transfer window as the Gunners try to bring in new players to help the team. Mikel Arteta has a couple of names in mind and the Arsenal coach needs to be careful when it comes to deals and signings.
The Gunners need to pay attention to detail as they did back in 2006. Though most felt that Arsenal bungled a golden chance to bring in a couple of Argentine hotshots in Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano that year. According to former chief Dick Law, the Gunners rejected the double loan signing offered by agent Kia Joorabchian. The Athletic reported that Arsenal was being asked £3 million for the two footballers.
Law explained that the Gunners had some reservations on the legitimacy of the deal. This included who would receive the fees of the loans. With Arsenal out, Tevez and Mascherano would turn out to be big stars. They would land in West Ham although the suspicion of the Gunners was spot on. West Ham drew £25 million in fines and settlements.
Regardless, the Argentine duo would go on to carve a name for themselves. Tevez suited up for Manchester City and Manchester United while Mascherano made big strides in Liverpool. Arsenal missing out on big names continued from there, failing to secure the likes of Jamie Vardy and John Mata.
Fast forward to the present, these are lessons Arteta needs to factor in as he pursues big-name stars. Several names have been linked to the Gunners such as Carlos Soler and Eduardo Camavinga, The Sun reported. The 38-year-old coach is looking to address holes in the midfield, center-back and striker positions but needs to be careful with the discussions to avoid any unnecessary penalties. They dodged a bullet in 2006 and need to approach with the same cautiousness moving forward.
Arteta is likely working on who the team is targeting and will have all the time to plan with football action still on hold. the COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed the sporting world with football league officials left to discuss the fate of the current season.
If the season is scrapped, Arteta may need to revisit his plans for next season. Player contracts will be up for debate and finances will play a role. Most teams are suffering financial losses due to the coronavirus, meaning players expecting high salaries next season could be in dire jeopardy.
