Arsenal’s Stellar transfer window was about to get even better with the addition of Daniele Rugani from Juventus on a two year loan with an option to buy but with time running out, Juventus tried to push the deal towards a large lump sum plus a guarantee to buy for Arsenal.
Image: Huss Fahmy, Edu Gaspar & Raul Sanllehi in attendance at St. James’ Park for Arsenal’s opening league game against Newcastle this afternoon. #afc pic.twitter.com/XrRBj7NOys
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 11, 2019
That would have meant that Arsenal would have had to find €30m to reach an agreement and with Emery still trying to assess if he needed additional central defenders, the coach and club were unwilling to complete the deal.
Raúl Sanllehi apparently headed the negotiations but it appears that he was unable to repeat the Pepe miracle that astonished the football world. A £72m structured deal for a club with only a reported £45m to spend.
That last minute change of circumstances meant that Arsenal triggered the deal that they had been discussing in the meantime for David Luiz. On reflection, the late change was probably the best outcome with a proven premier league performer and winner joining the Arsenal squad.
Rugani, as good as he is, would have needed time to adjust from Serie A to make his mark and for the sums involved, Sanllehi and Emery couldn’t take the chance, even though the player had agreed a potential move to Arsenal.
Earlier this year it was widely reported that Arsenal would only have a £45m transfer budget this summer, after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but the club has actually splashed out well over £100m. This thread explains how this was possible #AFC
— Swiss Ramble (@SwissRamble) August 13, 2019
It’s now said that Sanllehi and Arsenal are planning for their next summer window and are trying to ensure the right sums are available to complete the rebuilding process. Arsenal might move for a proper young centre back with likes of Upamecano and Umtiti linked with the club.
Top of that list will be a playmaker, possibly an,other attempt for Zaha and another central defender or holding midfielder. So don’t expect another six to arrive in the coming windows, this will be a more measured affair putting the final flourish to Emery’s plans.
I’ve been incredibly critical of Arsenal’s structure but at the moment phase one of the rebuild has been an exceptional illustration of business management with limited funds, kudos to the likes of Sanllehi and Edu. One could bet that nobody would have expected this kind of business this transfer window.
There are rumours in France that Juventus have in the end agreed to let Daniele Rugani join Arsenal on a two year loan. These reports also suggest any Medicals etc, will be carried out in Turin, not London due to time restraints.
— The Daily Gooner – An Arsenal Podcast (@DailyGoonerPod) August 8, 2019
Are Arsenal finally going to surprise us all within two or three seasons and compete for the title ? That’s the big question isn’t it. With so many players that need to leave and more to bring in, the job isn’t even 50% complete but it’s heading in the right direction.
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