The Arsenal boss believes profit and sustainability rules (PSR) have influenced this summer’s transfer deals with clubs wary to do business.
Last season, Everton were dealt two points deductions in November 2023 – the first, a ten-point deduction reduced to six on appeal – before a further two-point deduction later in the season. Nottingham Forest experienced a similar fate when they were deducted four points for breaching Premier League PSR rules – Forest’s appeal failed.
Speaking to Arsenal ’s website, he said: “I think you can tell everything is a bit slower. I think the market and the new rules in place have caused that clubs are more aware and it’s a bit more delicate to do business in the way we’ve done in the last few seasons.
“We have adapted to that, and we still want to deliver what we want in the transfer window to have a much more competitive team, and improve the squad in every area that we can.”
Despite the strict regulations, Arsenal are keen to bolster their squad after taking last year’s Premier League title race to the final day – they finished second just two points behind Manchester City. Last summer, the north Londoners prized Declan Rice from West Ham United, which took their midfield and general play to the next level. Bukayo Saka had an excellent campaign registering 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 domestic fixtures.
The Spaniard believes he can use the ‘pain’ of last season’s campaign as motivation for the upcoming season.
“That pain [from last season] is still there and I think it has to remain there, but after analysing the whole season with all the staff, the team has done a lot and probably in any other context we would have won the Premier League and that’s a big jump. But it’s not enough.”
The team broke several records last season – including setting new club bests for wins and goals in a Premier League season – and we also remained unbeaten in all 10 games against the rest of the traditional ‘big six’.
“Yeah, that was very important. First of all, to give ourselves the chance to compete for the league but as well to show the consistency, the capabilities and the quality against the top sides in the country.
“That we can actually beat them all in a consistent way and we can do it being dominant and deserving to win, which in my opinion is the most important thing. So that was another big stride but it’s not enough so we’re going to have to improve it again.”
Arsenal’s season will get underway at the Emirates Stadium when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17.
