There was always going to be consequences for missing out on Champions League football next season and it is being reported in the media today that Arsenal has lost the opportunity to sign at least three of their targets.
The transfer budget has taken a huge hit and is now said to be just £45 Million, which is paltry compared to their closest rivals and obviously not being able to offer Champions League participation to any potential signing is a significant handicap.
There is a possibility that the transfer budget can be increased with player sales but until that happens the buying power for Arsenal is severely diminished.
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha will not be signing for us, we cannot afford him and he has made it clear that he wants to play in Europe’s elite competition next season.
The same applies to RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano who wants to play in the Champions League his £65m transfer fee is now beyond us.
Leicester City’s James Maddison is also a no-no because his club has slapped a £60 Million valuation on him and that takes him out of our reach.
It has to be said that even if we had won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League we would have probably only been able to sign one of those three anyway.
But it shows the dire situation we are now in, we are no longer an attractive destination for ambitious players and our financial restrictions makes the situation a whole lot more difficult.
The consequences are real and we are experiencing that right now.
Did not take long, did it?