“How Spurs outsmarted Arsenal to secure on of the best deals in history”- Arsenal desperately wanted to sign “dominant” Spurs “freak” before his move, full details about deal finally revealed that Gunners would not like
Once regarded as a frugal club that seldom broke the bank, Arsenal has experienced a shift in financial philosophy since the days of Arsène Wenger. Under Wenger, the club was cautious with its spending, often refraining from the eye-watering investments that other top clubs indulged in. However, in recent years, Arsenal has taken a more liberal approach to its finances, marking a new era of ambition in the transfer market. This shift has contributed to the Gunners’ transformation from a team struggling for top-eight finishes to one consistently competing for the Premier League title.
In contrast to Manchester United and Chelsea, whose lavish spending hasn’t translated into consistent success, Arsenal’s recent investments have yielded positive results. While United and Chelsea continue to grapple with the fallout of failed spending sprees, Arsenal’s strategic recruitment has catapulted them into their third Premier League title race in as many years. Yet, Arsenal still exercises some restraint compared to its big-spending rivals; this past summer, their transfer spending fell below £100 million, a notable decrease from the previous year’s aggressive approach.
In the summer of 2023, Arsenal was willing to stretch its financial limits to secure top-class talent. One of their key signings was Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, acquired from Ajax for around £38 million after an impressive season with the Amsterdam club. Timber’s arrival strengthened Arsenal’s backline options, but his promising start was disrupted by an ACL injury in the season’s opening game against Nottingham Forest, sidelining him until the season’s final match. Despite further minor injuries this year, Timber has impressed in his limited appearances, showcasing his versatility and quality across the defense. Analyst Ben Mattinson has praised Timber as “elite,” underlining his potential impact on the squad as he remains fit and gains momentum.
Another landmark signing was Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United in a record-breaking £105 million transfer. Rice’s high price tag made him Arsenal’s most expensive player ever, but he has fully justified the investment. Since his arrival, the English midfielder has made 63 appearances, scoring eight goals, providing 12 assists, and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. The pressure of being Arsenal’s priciest signing hasn’t hindered Rice; instead, he’s thrived, proving himself indispensable to Arteta’s title-chasing squad.
In addition to Rice, Arsenal signed German international Kai Havertz for approximately £65 million. Though he struggled to find his rhythm early on, Havertz has since integrated well into Arteta’s system. While his return in midfield has been modest, with six goals and no assists in 33 appearances, he has been far more effective in attacking positions, tallying 13 goals and eight assists across 29 games. His ability to deliver a goal contribution every 1.38 games highlights his versatility and growing importance to Arsenal’s offensive schemes.
Despite these high-profile signings, Arsenal showed some flexibility in their recruitment strategy, even considering alternatives. Before finalizing the Timber deal, Arsenal reportedly scouted another Dutch defender—Micky van de Ven, who ultimately joined their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from German journalist Christian Falk suggest that Arsenal was one of several clubs monitoring van de Ven, including Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona. Described by podcaster Michael Caley as a “freak” due to his remarkable speed, van de Ven brought his talents to Spurs, joining them for around £43 million.
Since his move to Tottenham, the 23-year-old van de Ven has quickly established himself as a vital component in Ange Postecoglou’s defense. His impressive speed, which set a new Premier League sprint record last season, has allowed Spurs to maintain an aggressive, high defensive line. Talent scout Jacek Kulig described van de Ven as a “dominant” centre-back, a fitting label for a player who has become essential to Tottenham’s defensive strategy.
However, van de Ven’s explosive pace has come with a downside. Since the 2021/22 season, the ten-capped Dutch international has suffered four hamstring injuries, the most recent occurring during a match against Manchester City. While this may be attributed to bad luck, there’s a possibility that his powerful sprinting style makes him more susceptible to recurring muscular issues. Such injuries pose a long-term concern, as they could hamper his ability to consistently perform at the top level.
Ultimately, while van de Ven might have strengthened Arsenal’s squad, it appears Mikel Arteta made the right call in opting for Timber. Both players possess unique skill sets, but Timber’s adaptability and relative durability have allowed him to shine whenever fit. Van de Ven remains a top talent for Tottenham, yet Arsenal’s acquisition of Timber reflects a wise choice, with both players now enhancing their respective teams in North London’s intense football rivalry.