Expert claims Arsenal could have swerved FFP breach in January, but Chelsea are in trouble | OneFootball

Financial Fair Play (FFP) expert and financial adviser Stefan Borson has rubbished speculation that Arsenal could not afford a striker in the January transfer window.

The Gunners had been repeatedly linked with a move for Ivan Toney, particularly with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah scoring just nine Premier League goals combined this season.

The Brentford talisman had also dropped several hints that he would be open to a mid-season switch to the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal never formalised their interest, with the Bees demanding at least £100 million for their star striker.

After a £200m outlay without raking in much from outgoing transfers last summer, there were concerns another significant splurge in January could breach spending rules.

However, Borson has cleared the air on those rumours, claiming Arsenal chose not to spend in the winter market.

“You have a combination of teams who have chosen not to spend, so that’s teams like Arsenal,” Borson said on talkSPORT. “Because Arsenal could have spent if they wanted.

“If they were to invest in the necessary equity, they could push their limit up to the £105m from the £15m that it is now. But they opted to stay out of the market.”

When asked how much Arsenal had to spend, he added: “Certainly tens of millions of pounds on a player – they could have bought the striker that everybody thinks they need.”

While Arsenal have been cleared of being in danger of FFP breaches, Chelsea have been thrust under the spotlight following their £1 billion splurge over the previous three transfer windows.

The Blues smashed the British transfer record twice, and Borson suggests they could breach FFP rules unless they raise at least £100m from the sale of homegrown stars.

Conor Gallagher has already been linked with an exit amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Armando Broja could also be axed at a premium price if his Fulham loan is successful.

“In my mind, there’s certainly trouble on the horizon, and they will certainly fail FFP for the current season,” Borson said.

“Unless – and it seems to be very unlikely – that by June 30 this year they sell well over £100m of players.”