“Why aren’t Arsenal in for Eden Hazard?” – John Hartson rues Gunners’ lack of transfer ambition

Former Celtic Striker John Hartson says Arsenal fans will have to lower their expectations as they are “still way behind” in the transfer market.

Arsenal appointed Unai Emery at the end of last season following Arsene Wenger’s 22-year tenure in the Gunners’ dugout.

Wenger’s last campaign was immensely uninspiring for Gunners’ fans, as the north London club finished the season trophyless and sixth in the Premier League, 37 points behind champions Manchester City and able only to pick up one league win away from home in 2018.

Because of this lack of success, and reportedly also on account of a strict 2018 summer budget of around £50 million, Arsenal looked unlikely to secure big-name signatures over this transfer window and their former striker, Hartson, believes the Gunners are way behind their top-six rivals.

“Arsenal fans are going to have to be patient for a couple of seasons, not demanding such success because I believe they’re still way behind in the market for the best players in the world, I really do,” Hartson told the Daily Star.

“I think I share a lot of opinions even with their own fans. But they’ve appointed Emery, he’s got a very impressive CV behind him in terms of the Europa League.

“I think they need to be a bit patient with him and I believe in time he’s got the capabilities if he’s given the funds to add to the group they’ve got.”

Hartson added that when the best players in the world are up for grabs Arsenal are increasingly left out of the conversation.

He added: “But they’re still a long way from signing the best players in the world, as when they come up, when the best players in the world become available, they’re never in for them.

“Why aren’t they in for Hazard? Why aren’t they in for Willian? Why aren’t they in for these big players that would probably cost £80m? I don’t think they’re prepared to go there.”

Arsenal’s transfer window

Muy Feliz y con Muchas ganas de comenzar esta nueva Aventura.

Very excited, and determined, to begin this new adventure.#gunners #wearethearsenal#LT11 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/zZh70cFN8Z

— Lucas Torreira 34 (@LTorreira34) July 10, 2018

Despite Hartson’s sober analysis of Arsenal’s transfer prospects they have brought in some talented players during this window. Defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira arrived this summer from Sampdoria for £27 million while goalkeeper Bernd Leno and centre-back Sokratis arrived from the Bundesliga.

Torreira’s signature is a real coup for Emery. The Uruguayan had an excellent World Cup in Russia and his prowess in the holding-midfield role is precisely what Arsenal have been missing of late.

The Gunners may well miss out on superstars during this window and it is thought their first-team recruitment is done for this summer. The Hazards and Willians of this world will probably opt for giants in Spain or elsewhere. However, the Gunners have a squad stacked full of talent, from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to reliable hands like Nacho Monreal and exciting prospects like Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Arsenal could well be the dark horse this season. This theory will be tested immediately, though, as the Gunners kick off their Premier League campaign on August 12 against champions Manchester City.

The post “Why aren’t Arsenal in for Eden Hazard?” – John Hartson rues Gunners’ lack of transfer ambition appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2LEqYty