 |
| Mikel Arteta |
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal Football Club, has advocated for the closing of the Saudi Pro League transfer window to align with the timelines of Europe's top football divisions. The influx of Premier League players transferring to Saudi clubs following significant investment in the country's football scene has prompted Arteta to propose this change.
Numerous Premier League players have made moves to Saudi clubs since the conclusion of the previous season. Investments in four of Saudi Arabia's top clubs have enabled them to offer substantially increased transfer fees, attracting stars from various European leagues, including prominent figures like Neymar and Karim Benzema.
Despite Arsenal having not lost any players to the Saudi Pro League's recent spending spree, their opponents, Fulham, are set to be without their Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who made a move to Al-Hilal last week.
While the Premier League transfer window is scheduled to close on the upcoming Friday, Saudi clubs retain the ability to sign and register new players until September 20. This situation raises the potential for Premier League teams to lose players to Saudi Arabia without the opportunity to find replacements.
Addressing this issue, Arteta voiced his opinion on the matter, stating, "No, because it is a competitor now. No, I think we have to change that." He emphasized the need for alignment between the Saudi Pro League's transfer window and those of Europe's top football divisions.
Arteta further expressed his belief that losing a player after the transfer window's closure would be destabilizing for a team. However, he acknowledged that Arsenal's decision-makers might opt to capitalize on a substantial bid for a player. He stated, "It would be on the table like with any offer and you have to look at it. The only thing I'm saying is it's not ideal because they are a competitor."
Arteta's call for synchronization highlights the dynamic and complex nature of modern football transfers and the potential impact they can have on the balance and stability of teams. As football's landscape continues to evolve, discussions surrounding transfer windows and their timing will remain a point of focus for clubs and football governing bodies.
Mikel Arteta:
“Yes, very much (it would be a problem). But I cannot make the decision for the club. It is a lot of people involved in that process and they would have for sure a say, the ownership, would do the same,” he said.
“It would be on the table like with any offer and you have to look at it. The only thing I’m saying is it’s not ideal because they are a competitor.”
Arsenal, winners of their first two league games, could welcome Gabriel Jesus back from knee surgery to play a part on Saturday.
“It was a big blow for him after the pre-season he had to have another surgery. He’s looking really sharp. He trained the full week good. He’s ready to go, that is great,” he said.
إرسال تعليق