I'm not convinced there is an actual defined 250m war chest as such, and think it is simply journos extrapolating a potential spend for Arteta's 5-6 players based upon the sort of prices being given for the players we are linked to atm - White, Maddison, Ramsdale, Isak, Bissouma etc.
Have also read that the criteria seems to be EPL experienced and/or u25.
IMO we need to spend akin to 250m because of the neglect to squad building these last 5 years, and our lack of rebuild activity last summer, meaning our 'need' is now greater so as to regain UEFA qualification to improve our funds so as to better service our new 300m loans from last season.
My concern is more that we are supposedly looking at EPL experience so as to make a fast start to the season, not for any football reasons so as to challenge for/regain top4, but supposedly to protect the positions of both Arteta and Edu from being under the spotlight by December. Whilst I'm not doubting the quality of those players 'linked' I do question if they are the right choices for the right reasons and at the right price, and think we can get better bang for our bucks if we considered players outside the domestic experience criteria, so long as we did not sign all of them as new to the EPL as seen with CFC last summer.
IMO the 'need' to hit the ground running at the start of the season is a bit of a furphy considering we only have the domestic season to consider. I also think player adaptation is also subject to mitigation of sorts re both the player quality/development levels, and if they have already moved away from their domestic league to live & play in another country, let alone if they move to a club with similar style of play and shape.
Another concern I have is any rebuild needs to establish a match-day squad that is fit for purpose as to what Arteta wants as his end state, and not simply to improve on our current shape and style. This is where the idea of paying 70m for a CAM doesn't fit unless Arteta wants to retain the pyramid shaped midfield, rather than needing to do so to accommodate retaining PEA as CF.
Lastly any rebuild this summer cannot be our only roll of the dice in regards to expenditure, as when we do regain UEFA qualification we will need to expend the squad once more so as to be able to play UEFA mid-week. Despite reducing our squad size this summer we may need to increase it as early as next summer, and depending on the competition (UCL v UEL) we may need to spend a similar amount to this season in order to have both the depth and quality advance beyond Group stage and/or to retain top4 qualification.
At the very least the club needs to commit to a strategy that encompasses all the necessary considerations including those beyond this season, and with everyone on the same page. Then all the parties involved need to see that strategy through and there can be no bailing out half way for whatever reasons. COVID has presented an opportunity to potentially set the club on track for the next 3-5 seasons if we recruit well, however if we spend for the wrong players for the wrong reasons we can also be crippled financially for a decade or longer.
