Arsenal: How can there be ‘no more money’?

David Ornstein, of BBC Sport, has claimed that Arsenal have ‘no more money’ for any major signings. What in the world is going on?

Arsenal are in turmoil. That much is clear. Without a sense of direction or purpose, they have neither plans nor preparations for the season ahead. Signings are sparse; departures are frequent. Neither are encouraging. And now, to add to the misery and the despair, as the transfer deadline looms large, David Ornstein has made a rather egregious claim.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 gifts transfer deadline day could bring

Speaking in light of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s impending departure to Liverpool on Wednesday night, BBC Sport’s Ornstein revealed that the Gunners have ‘no more money’ for any major signings. That is undoubtedly disappointing to hear. It is also extremely confusing.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

So far this summer, Arsene Wenger has completed just two signings: the £46 million, club-record addition of Alexandre Lacazette and the free-agent acquisition of Sead Kolasinac. That is not a particularly high outlay for a club of Arsenal’s stature and wealth. Moreover, when sales are factored into the equation, the lack of money available becomes even more difficult to understand.

Arsenal have sold the following players: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£40 million), Wojciech Szczesny (£11 million), Gabriel Paulista (£10 million), Kieran Gibbs (£7 million), Jon Toral (£3 million), Kaylen Hinds (£2 million). In total, that equates to £73 million in sales, giving them a profit of £27 million for their summer business. Usually, making a profit is a sign that a club is being well-run, with economic principles at the core of the decision making, ensuring that irresponsible spending does not run riot, stripping the organisation of its future assets, security and, ultimately, prosperity.

Ornstein: No more money for a major Arsenal signing this summer

Arsenal fans, you might want to look away…

Posted by BBC Radio 5 live Sport on Wednesday, August 30, 2017

However, this is a club that spouted its title-winning ambition. It claimed that it was not happy to settle for mediocrity; it claimed that it wanted to challenge not only the domestic giants but also European giants, namely Bayern Munich; it claimed that titles and trophies were the priority, not the size of the bank balance or the breadth of the wallet.

But actions speak far louder than words. £27 million profit speaks far louder than any twisted, contorted, manufactured PR speak spewed out like poison pretending to be wine simply to whet the appetite’s of a desperately optimistic fan base, straggling, fighting, frantically waiting for any semblance of hope and positivity.

Next: Arsenal: 3 winners and losers from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain exit

This is the work of Stan Kroenke. He does not care about this football club. He does not care about the fans. He does not care about success or failure. He simply cares about the profit made. It is killing this club and it’s plain for all to see.