£800M Spent and Still Not Enough? Arteta’s Big Summer Gamble Sparks Fan Debate

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is closing in on another huge signing. This time, it’s Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who has scored nearly 100 goals in just two seasons at Sporting Lisbon. If this transfer happens, it would push Arteta’s total spending as Arsenal manager past a massive £800 million. 

Yes, £800 million. 

Despite this enormous investment, Arteta says Arsenal is still “short of numbers.” That means he believes the team doesn’t have enough top-quality players to compete at the highest level. 

The potential signing of Gyokeres would be another big move in what has already been a busy summer. Arsenal have added players like Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke to the squad. These signings are meant to add new energy and raise the level of competition within the team. 

Even though Arsenal has spent over £123 million already this summer, Arteta believes they still need more. Speaking during Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, he said, “We are seeking still. In terms of numbers, we are short. We have to improve the depth and quality of the squad.” 

This statement has surprised many fans. Arsenal already has big-name players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and now possibly Gyokeres. Yet the manager insists the team is not complete. 

Arteta also explained that the new signings have brought excitement and fresh energy to the group. “It’s like shaking the tree again,” he said. He believes these new faces can push the team to a new level. 

Even though Arsenal has spent a lot, their spending is still lower than clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Tottenham in recent years. However, the big difference is that those clubs have all won trophies since 2020, while Arsenal has not. 

The last time Arsenal won silverware was in 2020 when they lifted the FA Cup. Since then, Arteta has built a strong squad, but no more trophies have followed. For three seasons in a row, Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League. 

And now, people are starting to ask hard questions. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry recently spoke about the issue. He said it’s fair for fans to expect a trophy by now. “For the last three years, Arsenal should have brought home at least one cup or reached a final,” Henry said. 

He compared Arsenal to Manchester United, who have played in five finals over the last five years. That’s the same Manchester United many people laugh at, but they have trophies to show. 

So, what exactly has Arteta spent all this money on? His biggest signing so far has been Declan Rice, who joined for a club-record £105 million from West Ham. Other major signings include: 

Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £70 million, Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £52 million, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million, Ben White from Brighton for £50 million and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City for £45 million. 

These players have become important parts of the team. Arteta also brought in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and has made David Raya the number one choice between the posts. Aaron Ramsdale, who was once the top keeper, has already moved on. 

In midfield, Thomas Partey may leave, but new names like Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino are expected to strengthen the group. They’ll play alongside Rice, captain Martin Odegaard, and Zubimendi. 

In total, Arteta has rebuilt almost the entire squad. Players like centre-back Gabriel and Odegaard were brought in during his time and are now key to the team. 

Still, despite all this, Arteta is under pressure. The fans want trophies. They want wins. They want results. 

The possible signing of Gyokeres, who may cost close to £65 million, could give Arsenal one of the best attacking lineups in Europe. But will that be enough? 

With attackers like Saka, Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Trossard, and young Ethan Nwaneri already at the club, some fans are wondering: is signing another forward the answer? 

Arteta’s claim that he is “short of numbers” is now the topic of heated debates among supporters and pundits. Many wonder how a team with such depth and talent can still be considered incomplete. 

But Arteta insists that he is not just looking for any players, he wants top-level talent who can win trophies. He says he’s happy with what he has seen from the team during the last 10-15 days of training. 

Only time will tell if all this spending and rebuilding will finally lead to silverware. For now, all eyes are on the transfer window, and on whether Arsenal can bring Gyokeres to the Emirates. 

With the Premier League season just around the corner, Arsenal’s fans are hopeful. But they are also starting to lose patience. After three years of being close, they want to win, now.