Are Arsenal breaking FFP rules with Havertz, Rice and Timber?

Tom Weber

• 15 Jul 2023 13:26 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have made a strong start to the 2023 summer transfer window, signing Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and now Declan Rice.

The Gunners have re-emerged as a major spending force in the Premier League over the course of the last two years, and no club has come close to the investment that Mikel Arteta has made in his squad this summer.

Arsenal came into the window ready to splash the cash and have managed to get their business done early - but are they in danger of breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules?

READ: The proof that Arsenal and Man City are massively OVERPAYING for Declan Rice

The north London club signed Havertz from Chelsea for a fee believed to be around €75m, while Timber joined from Ajax for €40m, rising to €45m. Less than 24 hours after the arrival of the Dutchman, Declan Rice joined from West Ham for a club-record fee of €122m, the majority of which will be paid up front.

Considering the fact that they also spent €192m last season and €167m the year before, it makes one wonder if the Gunners will be butting up against FFP regulations like fellow big spenders Chelsea soon.

No need to worry

According to The Athletic, however, Gunners fans have little reason to be worried about this despite their club repeatedly splashing the cash. Special regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic mean that FFP is a bit more lenient at this moment in time, while Arsenal's on-pitch success is the biggest boon.

Playing in the Europa League last season, finishing runners-up in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League will help offset the transfer outlay, according to the above-mentioned report. Main sponsor Emirates will also pump more money into the club due to the impressive performances of Arteta's men.

THE RICE EFFECT: How Arsenal's record transfer signals a new era of success

Champions League qualification alone is worth €35m at the minimum, according to finance expert Kieran Maguire. Their Europe League run to the round of 16 will also have brought in money in that region, while their Premier League finish will have earned them as much as €200m.

A smart wage structure, amortisation of transfer fees and some high-profile sales will leave Arsenal in a comfortable financial position.