Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to get ‘£150m transfer budget’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to be backed in the transfer market to the tune of at least £150million as the Gunners look to build on their impressive season in the Premier League. The club’s coffers could be boosted even further too with Kieran Tierney, Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun, Nuno Tavares and Nicholas Pepe among those who could be sold to raise funds. 

Arsenal have enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in recent memory and have already guaranteed that they will feature in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2017.

The Gunners currently sit just one point behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League but with the Sky Blues holding a game in hand with just four matches remaining it appears unlikely that the club will claim the ultimate prize this year. 

However, Arsenal board members are reportedly keen to seize the initiative created by the side’s on-field performances this season and back Arteta in the transfer market. The Independent reports that the Spaniard is expected to be given over £150m to spend over the summer with more money potentially incoming through player sales. 

The club are said to be willing to listen to offers for Tierney and Zinchenko while Tavares, Pepe and Balogun are all also likely to be on the move when they return from loan spells. 

Arsenal have been linked with a host of names in recent months with Sporting Director Edu already working on a number of deals. 

Midfield appears to be a particular area of focus with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo among those most heavily rumoured. A new centre-back may also be on the agenda given the club’s struggles in defence following the injury to William Saliba in March. Josip Sutalo has been one of those linked recently. 

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hinted that the club will be making a number of additions over the summer, suggesting Edu’s phone number will be constantly ringing given the number of players who want to play for the club. 

“I went to the training ground the other day and I was with Edu and Mikel, and what’s happening now at the club is we’re not having to go out and cajole other people to come and join Arsenal,” he told the Athletic. “They can see what we’re doing.

“Edu is saying his phone is ringing off the hook and they’re very confident about the calibre of player they’re going to sign. If you’re going to challenge this City team, you’re going to have to come correct.”