Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) are contributing to the slow pace of the summer transfer window.
Since the transfer window opened last month, Arsenal, like many other Premier League clubs, have yet to make any new signings. However, the club has plans to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Arteta is reportedly seeking reinforcements in midfield and for a wide forward position, with the club also being linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed for Italy during Euro 2024.
Arteta, acknowledging the complexities of the current market, explained that the PSR has necessitated a more cautious approach for many clubs, including Arsenal.
“I think you can tell everything is a bit slower,” Arteta said in an interview with the club’s media. “The market and the new rules in place have made clubs more aware and it’s a bit more delicate to do business 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.”
While incoming transfers have been minimal, Arsenal is reportedly close to finalizing deals to offload Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi-Lokonga. Both players are considered surplus to requirements at the Emirates and spent last season on loan.
Tavares, who was with Nottingham Forest, is nearing a loan move to Lazio that will become permanent for €9 million (£7.6 million) next year. Lokonga, who spent last season with Luton Town, is set to join Sevilla on a similar deal, initially on loan before a permanent transfer next summer.
Additionally, other Arsenal players, including Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, and Emile Smith Rowe, have been linked with potential moves away from the club in recent weeks.
