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Arsenal will only sign loan players in January

Unai Emery is not being given funds by Silent Stan.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

One of the first things that I do every day when I turn on the computer is go to Twitter to see what’s trending in the football world. I knew it was an ominous sign when this morning I saw the name Kroenke on the list.

It didn’t take long to find out what why Silent Stan was in the news. In his West Ham pre-game press conference Unai Emery was asked about potential signings during the current transfer window. His reply was like a punch to the gut for many Arsenal fans.

“We cannot sign anyone permanently. Only loan players this January.”

Just last week there was speculation that Emery was interested in signing a centre-back and a winger. Of course Emery needs several transfer windows to truly build the squad he wants, but everyone knows defensive improvements are a real necessity now.

Arsenal did spend close to £70m over the summer to bring in Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Sokratis and Bernd Leno which looks to be a good investment on several young players. However, Sokratis and Stephan Lichtsteiner (who came to the club on a free transfer) are past their prime and just temporary stop gaps.

The frustration being vented at owner Kroenke is due to the fact that he has a net worth close to $8.5 billion & Arsenal are ranked number six on Forbes’ current list of the world’s most valuable soccer teams.

Then there’s the fact that the club are allowing Aaron Ramsey to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. Why they didn’t continue talks for a new contract with the Welshman is anyone’s guess. That brings up another question; if the club has no money, why don’t they sell Ramsey to Juventus this month and at least recoup something for the midfielder?

I’m not in football management, but I can certainly understand why the fans are upset. Arsenal haven an insanely wealthy owner who is not giving his club the funds they need to keep up with the league’s current top sides.