Arsenal transfer guru Raul Sanllehi and the club’s hierarchy were hit after the club marked his return to the Premier League with two straight defeats.
The Gunners were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City last week before leaving an advantage in Brighton on Saturday to crash into a 2-1 defeat.
And former Arsenal star Gilles Grimandi says that the head of the team’s struggles must lie with the head of football Sanllehi and the rest of the team leaders, although he believes manager Mikel Arteta has a bright future ahead of him.
Grimandi played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, winning two Premier League matches and the Cup doubles with the Gunners.
He later became one of manager Arsene Wenger’s closest legendary confidants and was the club’s scout leader for a decade until last year.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty)
One of last summer’s signings, defender David Luiz, stood out in last week’s defeat against City by giving two goals and getting expelled.
And Grimandi says that decisions made in the transfer market are now not as solid as they were during the 22-year reign of Wenger as manager.
“People haven’t realized Arsene’s influence and choices, often wise choices,” the 49-year-old told French television station Canal +.
“We are unable to read the project that is in the hands of the directors and Sanllehi right now.
“There have been some questionable purchases and it is not possible to totally see from the outside what they want to do.
“There are some positive points. I believe in Mikel Arteta – he is a person with a future.
“He is a competent boy and someone who has gained some experience alongside Pep Guardiola.
“There is a lot of quality among young players, but directors have to take on their responsibilities and make much wiser choices.”
(Image: Alan Walter)
Grimandi pointed to the example of Arsenal who signed midfielder William Saliba for £ 27 million last summer before lending him to Saint-Étienne – but then having to sign another defender, Pablo Mari, in the January transfer window.
“For me it’s a mistake because these are players who could have had experience this season,” said Saliba.
“And then you see that they have to buy another player Pablo Mari at Christmas. There is a lot of inconsistency in the choices.
“I think there is competence from a technical point of view and with young players. Now those who manage them must take on their responsibilities and make wiser choices.
“We know the financial consequences of not qualifying for the Champions League and the effect it has of being an attractive club.”
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