Arsenal 'to prioritise overseas signings ahead of homegrown players'

Arsenal are reportedly ready to change their priority to overseas signings after being surprised by the cost of bringing in homegrown players to the club.

The Gunners have not signed a player classed as homegrown since bringing Rob Holding to the Emirates Stadium from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 - a deal which cost just £2.5m.

However, the Daily Mail reports that the club have been offered two premium homegrown players in recent months, only to baulk at the asking price for both.

The club's transfer committee - which is headed by Sven Mislintat - is now planning to focus on bringing overseas targets to the club over the next two transfer windows due to the tight budget enforced by the owners.

Arsenal's failure to qualify for the Champions League in either of the past two seasons is understood to have affected their transfer plans in a major way, forcing them to be more creative and selective in their recruitment.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney had been one of the players linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, although his potential switch now appears unlikely.