Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has expressed significant frustration over the sale of a former striker, whose career has flourished since leaving the club. The player, sold for a mere £4 million in 2022, has turned into one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, netting an astonishing 37 goals in just 22 matches this season.
Kroenke has openly acknowledged the regret over the decision, calling it a major mistake. He compared the striker to top players like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, admitting that Arsenal may have underestimated his potential. “We regret selling him so thoughtlessly,” Kroenke said, clearly disappointed. “He’s outshining Kai Havertz, who cost us £65 million. Watching him score a hat-trick in just 62 minutes last week was a painful reminder of what we lost.”
Kroenke emphasized that the player’s rare talent made the sale for just £4 million an error no club of Arsenal’s caliber should have made. The striker’s rapid rise to prominence has made him one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers, with his technical skills, pace, and intelligent positioning setting him apart. His success has made comparisons to Haaland and Kane even more striking, highlighting his ability to break down defenses with clinical finishing and exceptional athleticism.
This achievement stands in sharp contrast to the struggles of Kai Havertz since his £65 million move to Arsenal, intensifying the frustration over the decision to sell the striker. The sale, which was reportedly approved by manager Mikel Arteta, has raised questions about his transfer judgment. Despite Arteta’s successes in leading the team back to prominence, this mistake has placed his transfer decisions under greater scrutiny.
The low £4 million fee has especially angered fans, who feel the move was short-sighted and will have long-term repercussions. Social media has been filled with reactions to the striker’s success, with many fans lamenting Arsenal’s failure to recognize his potential.
One fan summed it up by saying, “We let a goal machine slip through our fingers for just £4 million. Watching him thrive elsewhere is heartbreaking.”
Kroenke’s public expression of regret may signal a change in Arsenal’s approach to transfers, with a greater focus on retaining talent and long-term planning.
As the January transfer window nears, this costly error could influence how Arsenal scouts and manages young players in the future. With the striker’s career continuing to soar, Arsenal can only reflect on what could have been. This serves as a painful lesson, underscoring the importance of better decision-making to remain competitive at the highest level.
