Aleksandr Hleb has given his opinion on Arsenal’s summer transfer window ahead of the clash between of his former sides.
The 36 year-old is currently plying his trade back in his home country, as well as starring for his international side, but with two of his former clubs set to take each other on in the Europa League, Hleb had to relive some memories.
Hleb was contracted to BATE Borisov on at least four occasions in his career, including joining them as a 17 year-old youngster originally, while he played for Arsenal for only three years.
Aleksandr has stated that he doesn’t believe the Gunners had the best of transfer windows, while downplaying the ability of club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette.
The former BATE and Arsenal midfielder said: “The signings that did come through are good, like Alexandre Lacazette, but I can’t say that’s a ‘fantastic’ signing.
“I am a fan of Giroud and I don’t think Lacazette is better than him.
“I think the two are on the same level.”
Hleb went onto claim that Arsenal can no longer match the spending of their rivals in this day and age, insisting they would have wanted to make bigger waves in the previous window but couldn’t compete.
“Football is a crazy world now,” he added. “The market is crazy, there is just so much money involved.
“Arsenal would have wanted to sign more players but it’s too difficult to compete with the likes of Manchester City and PSG.”
Are we being left behind because of the current financial climate? Will we ever adapt our ways to try and keep up?
Pat J