Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shares Jurgen Klopp’s view that the transfer window in the Saudi Pro League should be shut earlier. The window in Saudi Arabia does not close until September 20, almost three weeks after Premier League clubs can no longer sign players.
Asked if that is fair, Arteta said: “No because they’re a competitor now. I think we have to change that. That’s my opinion [that they should close at the same time], yes.”
Arteta was then asked if Arsenal would reject any offers for players after the English window shuts. But he admitted it wouldn’t be down to him to reject bids.
He said: “Well the principle would be that but I cannot make the decision for the club. There’s a lot of people involved in that process and they would have, for sure, a say.
“It will be on the table like any other offer and you will have to look at it. But the only thing I’m saying is that it’s not ideal because now they’re a competitor. Yeah [it would be destabilising], very much.”
Earlier this month, Liverpool boss Klopp called for FIFA to change when the Saudi window shuts. He said: “The influence of Saudi Arabia is massive at the moment. Pretty much the worst thing is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.
“If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful. UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. It’s already influential for us but we will have to learn to deal with it.”
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