Mikel Arteta shares whether Arsenal are likely to spend over £100m on a new signing next month

After sealing a deal for Riccardo Calafiori on Monday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was reasonably open about the club’s plans for the rest of the summer.

Understandably, Arteta refused to comment on Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal for Fulham – a deal that now seems near completion.

And although Smith Rowe leaving will be hard for Arsenal fans, it’s an excellent deal for the club who are evidently already reinvesting those funds.

Arteta’s squad wasn’t quite balanced last season, he had plenty of attacking players sat on the sidelines throughout, but coped with just six defenders for four spots in his backline.

Yes, injuries were a big factor – Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu missed a lot of the season, but Arsenal can clearly be better prepared in the area.

Of course, with Arsenal looking like they could also sell Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson this month, there’s been a renewed feeling that the club could be preparing a big offer elsewhere.

Arsenal target Victor Osimhen is itching to leave Napoli, recently excluded from one of their pre-season friendly squads. 

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are unlikely to repeat Declan Rice trick this summer

Whilst Arsenal are said to be targeting three more signings after getting Calafiori through the door, Arteta has now admitted that they are unlikely to sanction another £100m-odd deal this summer.

Arteta was effectively asked the question when speaking after Calafiori’s arrival via football.london.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates the team's victory with Declan Rice after the penalty shootout during The FA Community Shield match bet...

Arteta was asked by a reporter: “Last season, we saw a huge investment in Declan Rice, a huge transfer fee. If a special player came on the market, are Arsenal able to go to that level again this summer?”

The Arsenal manager then swiftly replied: “We don’t expect to do anything like that at this moment, that’s the reality.”

Therefore, Arsenal making a move for Osimhen this summer may need to be ruled out, however disappointing that may be.

Similarly, Arsenal may struggle to sign Viktor Gyokeres despite their interest, another player who would likely cost an enormous amount.

But that doesn’t mean that the Gunners can’t make progress.

And given Arsenal have been in contact to sign Mikel Merino, it seems as if the focus will sensibly be on improving squad depth first and foremost.