Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, wants the transfer window of the Saudi Pro League to conclude concurrently with those of the top divisions in Europe.
Since the conclusion of the previous season, a number of Premier League players have joined Saudi clubs as investment in four of the biggest teams in the kingdom enabled them to pay much higher transfer prices.
Stars from the best league in Europe have been selected, including Karim Benzema and Neymar.
Aleksandar Mitrovic, a Serbian attacker, transferred to Al-Hilal last week. While Arsenal, which plays Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, has not lost any members of their roster to the Saudi buying binge, their opponents will be without him.
The transfer market for the Premier League shuts on Friday, but Saudi teams will have until September 20 to sign and register new players.
It is still possible for Premier League teams to lose players to Saudi Arabia without having a backup plan.
When asked whether the situation was fair on Friday, Arteta said, “No, since it is now a competition. No, I believe that has to change.
When asked whether the Saudi Pro League deadline ought to coincide with the European schedule, Arteta said, “That is my perspective, sure.
“It is a new rival, and it offers new options for players, managers, and those who work in the business to make choices.
When clubs, players, or anybody else needs to agree to anything, you have to have the aim to go and find agreements, which is why there are contracts. In the end, we are free to decide.
Arteta thinks it would be unstable to lose a player after the transfer window closed, but he is aware that the Arsenal leadership may decide to accept a high-dollar offer.
“Yes, that would be an issue, in a big way. But I can’t decide what the club does. There are many individuals participating in that process, and they would all undoubtedly have a voice in it. They would also take ownership of it, he said.
“Like any offer, it would be on the table for you to consider. I’m merely pointing out that because they are a rival, it is not ideal.
Gabriel Jesus might play a role for Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from knee surgery. Arsenal has won their opening two league games.
“Having to undergo yet another operation after the preseason was a major setback for him. He seems to be quite smart. He worked out hard the whole week. It’s excellent that he’s prepared to go,” he remarked.
