Wenger rules out leaving Arsenal this summer

Football agent Jon Smith has lifted the lid on some of the details behind Arsenal’s transfer dealings, saying that the influence of data company StatDNA has a massive influence on the way the club conducts its business.

The club bought the Chicago-based company in 2012, and Smith was quoted in the Times this week about Arsene Wenger’s reliance on the organisation ahead of the release of his new book, The Deal.

Wenger’s transfer business has been criticised be fans over the last few seasons, with a lack of big-name, big-money signings – and Smith explained: “Arsenal are an example of how business and sport cohabit and the fans find that difficult to understand.”


Speaking about StatDNA, he added: “It has a warehouse in Cambodia full of files and stats. Every player on the planet. They crunch every conceivable number relating to a footballer. Examples are Hot Streak Bias versus Confirmation Bias; if the left-back attacks and creates chances, how many chances does he allow the opposition by pushing on?”

He explained that the club’s slow transfer process – which often leaves the club lagging behind their rivals in the transfer market while statistical variables are modelled, as well as complicated financial scenarios being weighed up.

“I love Arsène but if I’ve got a criticism it’s that he’s corporately standoff-ish. He lets the system play out and I think Arsenal’s system slows him down.”