Arsenal placed on UEFA watch-list over breach in Financial Fair Play rules

Premier League league-leaders Arsenal– alongside 19 other clubs- are under UEFA’s watch-list for a possible breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The North London outfit has shelled the millions as Mikel Arteta continues their renaissance. Before the 2021/22 season, the club spent £150 million ($176 million if we adjust for inflation) on Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavare despite the absence of European football.

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After finishing fifth last season, missing out on the Champions League to neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal has spread their wealth among a host of players. The twin recruits of Gabriel Jesus (£45 million) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (£32 million) from Manchester City, Fabio Viera from Porto (£34.26 million) and a cumulative £8.5 million-plus for Matt Turner and Marquinhos amount to a sizeable transfer output.

However, this season’s outlay is not part of UEFA’s consideration. The potential breach of FFP dates back to last season when The Gunners were the continent’s highest spenders. According to FFP rules, clubs can incur losses up to £25 million ($29 million) per season for three years. In the period between 2019 to 2021, the club reported losses of £213 million ($230 million), including £127 million in 2020/21 alone. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs were allowed to write off losses by UEFA. Further, Arsenal is yet to furnish the full accounts from last season to the governing body.

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But sources close to the club reveal that it isn’t a matter of concern as Arsenal is within FFP stipulated limits. Twitter’s in-house football financials account, The Swiss Ramble, breaks down the club’s accounts, concluding that they are within limits. While the entirety doesn’t make for good reading, it still allows them to make one further dip in the transfer market. With Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans available on the bargain, the Emirates-based outfit will push for the Belgian’s signature. It will only bolster an already imperious midfield, adding a dash of creativity from deeper positions.