The Arsenal and Tottenham supporters’ trusts have finally found something they can agree on, reports the London Evening Standard.
Neither group is happy with their club’s efforts in the transfer window. Spurs fans are disappointed with the rises in ticket prices happening while less is spent on their team, while their North London rivals believe that Arsene Wenger hasn’t hasn’t done enough to try and help his squad to the Premier League title.
The Tottenham Supporters Trust released a statement saying: “We think a credible explanation from the board to address the genuine concerns of supporters, many of whom have backed the current board consistently, is now required. Spurs made the highest ever pre-tax profit in the Premier League last year — £80m. Revenues went up 22 per cent to £180.5m.
“Ticket prices for top-class games remain among the highest in the Premier League. Next year, the club has informed us it wants to increase those prices. Many supporters are now questioning the relationship between what we pay and what we receive. We understand the club is trying to finance a new stadium, but we have also heard that this will not be allowed to unduly affect the playing side.
“At the end of this season’s transfer window, however, we find ourselves questioning where we have ended up. We welcome the good signings that have been made but are concerned at the gaps that still exist and the pressure this places on the manager and the team.
“It is important the club is run on successful business lines, but the success of the business depends on sporting success — the kind that attracts crowds and fills new stadiums.”
The Gunners Supporters Trust have also released a statement: “Arsenal are in a very strong financial position and it is of course disappointing that the transfer window has closed with just the signing of Petr Cech. Arsenal have built a strong squad and just one or two more good additions would have strengthened the chances of winning a first title in 11 years. No one wants Arsenal to buy players just for the sake of it, but we do want to see the money being invested to make the club stronger.”
The Gunners have only brought Petr Cech from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium this summer, and are the only side in Europe’s top five leagues to have not seen the arrival of a single outfield player. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has signed Clinton N’Jie, Toby Alderweireld, Heung-Min Son, and Kieran Trippier, but not properly reinforced up front or in central midfield.
SEE MORE
Arsenal transfer news
Tottenham transfer rumours
Arsenal boss claims Manchester United SPLURGE shows he was right to not buy
Both sides were expected to make some sort of movement on deadline day, and it would seem that their inability to do so has been the final straw with these groups. The lack of movement could hold them back from improving on last season’s performances.