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Wednesday 17 July 2019 10:53, UK
Arsenal's owners need to back up their words with action in the transfer market to give supporters 'something to hold onto', according to The Transfer Show's panel.
It comes after a statement was issued by director Josh Kroenke on behalf of the club's owner Stan Kroenke, following supporters' criticism of his father's running of the club.
Kroenke's passionate response dismissed suggestions Arsenal were at a crossroads and needed to restructure in order to achieve long-term success as well as telling supporters to be 'excited' about this summer's transfer window.
However, the Transfer Show's panel feels the Arsenal hierarchy need to be true to their word and bring in quality signings to appease an angry and disillusioned support.
"It's certainly a unique situation with the club coming out and responding to the fans," Dharmesh Sheth said.
"But I don't know if it is going to wash with them considering everything that has gone on in the past and how this transfer window has gone so far.
"I think Arsenal fans are going to wait until the end of the transfer window to see if they are going to be excited and they will continually go back to what Josh Kroenke has said about being 'excited'.
"Either way, they need something to hang onto though."
It's a sentiment shared by Kaveh Solhekol, who believes Arsenal fans have endured a 'depressing three months' and desperately need to strengthen to keep pace with their rivals.
"Words are cheap if you don't back it up with action," Solhekol said. "Just giving an interview is not enough and the fans will look at all their rivals spending money and winning trophies and be comparing it with what is happening at Arsenal and it's been a really depressing three months."
Although Sheth was quick to point out the impact the lack of Champions League football is playing on any potential transfer budget, Rob Dorsett still finds it hard to understand why Arsenal are struggling to compete in the transfer market.
"They've said their budget is £45m which is not enough to compete for the very best players in the world," Dorsett said.
"What player could Arsenal sign, in the current inflated market for less than £40m, which would get fans excited?
"How can Spurs spend a billion pounds on a new stadium but still sign Tanguy Ndombele for £63m?
"Now that is an exciting signing and if Arsenal can't compete with that when they paid off the Emirates stadium a long time ago, albeit without Champions League football, how can Spurs still spend those sums of money?
"And why can't Arsenal spend that kind of money? That's what will be hitting Arsenal fans the hardest."
Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Sky Sports' pundit Charlie Nicholas has his concerns about Arsenal's transfer strategy this summer, and supports fans' recent calls for a restructure.
"I totally support the Arsenal fans' statement. The concern has been growing for 18 months, about the lack of atmosphere, lack of ambition. I think the criticism is fair.
"Now there's a situation whereby there are too many chiefs trying to have a say. Are there too many guys sitting on the committee? It's getting a bit out of control.
"If Arsenal are going after defenders, which they need more than anything else, then go and nail them down, go and make a statement of intent.
"Arsenal have to force the issue. I know times have changed, but Arsenal are finding it damned hard to compete at a big financial level. It doesn't seem as if there is a strategy, and that is a true concern."
Sky Sports News brings you the very latest news from this summer's transfer market with three new shows.
Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. And join us at 7pm for the definitive round up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.
And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.
There's also the Transfer Talk Podcast, the daily UK, Regional and European Paper Talk, plus features across skysports.com and the Sky Sports App.
