Arsenals 2024 Summer transfer window wrap up
Arsenal endured a hectic Summer transfer window recently.
The Gunners brought in five signings and sold over double that figure (11) during the space of 12 weeks.
These are some of the most significant moves which took place inside N5.
Arguably the highlight of Arsenal’s transfer period was the last minute signing of prolific Premier League winger Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, during the final hours of Transfer Deadline Day.
On the 27th August Arsenal looked to improve their midfield by bringing in 2024 Euro Champion with Spain’s Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for up to £32.6 million. However the 28 year-oldr became injured straight away in his first training session at London Colney and is out till October.
Adding to Arsenals defence spending Italian centre/left back Riccardo Calafori was taken in from Serie A team Bologna for £42 million on a five year deal, just before The Gunners travelled out to America for their pre-season tour towards the end of July.
At the other end of the spectrum Aaron Ramsdale was sold to newly promoted Southampton for £25 million. The goalie was replaced after only five games last season by then Brentford loanee David Raya, who signed on for £27 million in early July, and is officially Arteta’s number one choice in goal.
With backup keeper Ramsdale out the door Arteta secured AFC Bournemouth goalie Neto in replacement.
Emile Smith Rowe who became injury prone after having been a part of the early years of Arteta’s Arsenal plan, lost his spot in the middle of the park to current captain Martin Odegaard for the past couple of years, was let go.
The £35 million pound 24-year old has already made an instant impact at Fulham scoring on his Craven Cottage debut two Premiership game days ago when Leicester City were beaten 2-1. Smith Rowe was also joined by teammate Reiss Nelson who’s gone to Fulham for a season long loan.
Eddie Nketiah, once Arsenal’s main striker two campaigns ago, when at the time new talisman Gabriel Jesus was out of action, departed the Emirates in the dying hours of the market on Friday. Crystal Palace picked up the player who had scored only 19 goals in seven years in North London in a deal worth £30 million.
After eight and a half years at The Emirates, Mohamed Elneny waved goodbye to The Gunners. He was originally signed by Arsene Wenger who won Arsenal their last Premier League title undefeated in 2004. The Egyptian joined Saudi Arabian team Al Jazira in a free transfer.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
OT (slightly) – Chelsea owners’ sale of their Bridge hotels to one of their commonly controlled sister companies has been approved by the PL with respect to the valuation used. Thus, instead of an £166 million ’22/’23 loss for PSR purposes they will have an £90 million loss. The PL took a vote in June to not to automatically disallow such shenanigans regardless of the valuation chosen to put on the deal.
Yes, I saw that Chelsea’s owners were looking to do that. A handy asset to have (and to be able to use in that way) particularly as the EPL appear to have no reservations.
Apparently, Sp*rs are looking to build a 27-stories high hotel next to their stadium. An additional income generator and a useful standby should, like Chelsea, they ever need it.
The thing here was that economically nothing changed for the ownership group of Chelsea. The same investors ultimately own the same assets within their group of companies. It was simply a way to get around PSR. I believe there is current debate over whether the original depreciated cost (or alternatively, current value) of projects such as these would go against subsequent sales when determining PSR.
Only 11 of the required 14 clubs voted to get rid of this kind of thing and just keep the ability to challenge the valuations involved. I don’t yet know if Arsenal was one of those who voted against the measure. It really promotes a different perspective on these measures of financial fair play.
clarification: current value at end of paragraph 1 being the asset’s worth when it was acquired by/contributed into the club (not when it was transferred to get around PSR).