ARSENAL are reportedly planning for a lean summer transfer window in which they will not be able to spend any money.
The Telegraph claim the Gunners are facing a scenario where they will only be able to bring players in on free transfers, loans or swap deals.
The report adds that the only option for the club to pursue their top targets is if they can raise significant funds through cashing in on either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette.
Arsenal captain Aubameyang is a target for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as he enters the final year on his current Emirates deal.
While the Gunners are said to be interested in a swap deal with Atletico Madrid involving Lacazette and former target Thomas Lemar.
Arsenal are expected to be facing a battle to keep pace with the rest of the Premier League’s powerhouses in the market this summer following the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The club’s latest accounts showed a £27.1 million deficit back in February – the first time they had announced an operating loss since 2002.
Arsenal also have a wage bill of £230m while recouping less money for playing Europa League football in recent seasons.
That looks unlikely to change this term as well, with the Gunners ninth in the Prem, and will be without gate receipts for the foreseeable future.
All this means that cash-strapped Arsenal are set to be disappointed in their bid to land £43m midfielder Thomas Partey.
The club will also be priced out of a move for Barcelona’s £71m-rated flop Philippe Coutinho.
Mikel Arteta is already facing competition from north London rivals Tottenham in the race to land Chelsea’s Willian on a free transfer.
The Brazilian, 31, is almost certain to call time on his Stamford Bridge career, with the club not willing to offer him a length of contract he seems suitable.
Jose Mourinho is keen to reunite with his former Chelsea player at Spurs, but Arsenal may have the edge.
The attacker’s agent Kia Joorabchian has close ties at the Emirates, as he also looks after Willian’s close friend and former team-mate David Luiz.
