Expert claims Arsenal could have avoided FFP breach in January, but Chelsea are in trouble

Financial Fair Play (FFP) expert and financial advisor Stefan Borson has dismissed speculation that Arsenal cannot afford a striker in the January transfer window.

The Gunners had been repeatedly linked with a transfer for Ivan Toney, especially with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah having scored just nine Premier League goals between them this season.

The Brentford talisman had also indicated several times that he would be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium during the season.

Arsenal, however, never formalised their interest and the Bees are demanding at least £100 million for their star striker.

After spending £200m last summer without generating much revenue from transfers, there were fears that another significant expenditure in January could breach spending rules.

However, Borson has denied these rumours, claiming that Arsenal have decided not to spend any money in the winter market.

“There are a number of teams that have chosen not to spend money, such as Arsenal,” Borson said on talkSPORT. “Because Arsenal could have spent money if they wanted to.”

“If they invested the necessary equity, they could increase their limit from the current £15 million to £105 million. But they have chosen to stay out of the market.”

When asked how much Arsenal had to spend, he replied: “Probably tens of millions of pounds on one player – they could have bought the striker that everyone said they needed.”

While Arsenal are no longer at risk of FFP violations, Chelsea have come into the spotlight following their transfer spending of £1 billion in each of the last three transfer windows.

The Blues have broken the British transfer record twice and Borson believes they could be in breach of FFP rules if they do not raise at least £100m from the sale of homegrown stars.

Conor Gallagher has already been linked with a move away, with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United expressing interest, while Armando Broja could also be released for a higher price if his loan to Fulham is successful.

“In my opinion, there are definitely problems looming and they will certainly fail the FFP this season,” said Borson.

“Unless – and this seems very unlikely – they sell players worth well over £100 million by June 30 this year.”