Arsenal’s spending over the past few years has been relatively frugal, and it appears that has not been because of a shortage of cash. A recent analysis of their financial figures has revealed that the club has more cash reserves than any other football club in the world at present.
Last week, Arsenal released their financial figures for six months leading up to January 2016, and it looks like the frugality of the London-based club can be blamed squarely on an unwillingness to spend. The accounts reveal that their cash balance is 159 million pounds, as reported by the Swiss Ramble. This figure is expected to go up to 225-250 million pounds by the end of the season.
There was a gaping difference between the North London club and other clubs across Europe in 2015: Manchester United had 158 million in cash, Manchester City 75 million, Real Madrid 84 million and Bayern Munich 78 million — all significantly short of the 228 million that Arsenal had in their cash reserve.
Although there are expenses and cash outflows to be accounted for, the report states with conviction that Arsenal have at least 100 million pounds to spend on transfers.
Need for some big money moves
Surprisingly, Arsenal have the third highest net-spend on transfers in the past three seasons, at 111 million pounds. During this period they brought in two big names in Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, along with squad players like Danny Welbeck, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and Gabriel Paulista. However, the past two windows have seen them spend just 15-17 million pounds in total, on goalkeeper Petr Cech and holding midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
Arsene Wenger has always maintained that he is willing to spend on the right player, but there are some positions that need immediate reinforcement at the Emirates. The absence of a world class striker as well as proper midfield cover for Francis Coquelin is costing the Gunners this season, and Wenger will have to loosen the purse strings in the summer to appease the fans.
