Gunners to shell out after Old Trafford drubbing

The Gunners confirmed yesterday that they have offered to cover the cost of a ticket for a future Arsenal away game for every one of the club’s supporters who attended the match as part of the official away ticket allocation.

Arsene Wenger’s side are also looking to begin the process of addressing the shortcomings so horribly exposed on the pitch in Manchester as they close in on the signings of South Korea forward Park Chu-young from Monaco and Brazilian full-back Andre Santos from Turkish side Fenerbahce.

It is being widely reported that Santos is close to joining the Gunners although there has not yet been any official confirmation from either club, and Arsenal are also expected to confirm the signing of Park before the transfer window closes tomorrow night.

The club have also been linked with Chelsea duo Yossi Benayoun and Florent Malouda, although Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas stated last week he had no intention of letting the Frenchman leave Stamford Bridge.

While no deals have been confirmed since Sunday’s drubbing, at least the travelling support of around 3,000 know they will be getting some form of compensation and a statement from the club read: “Arsenal Football Club has announced it will be writing to fans who travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday with an offer to cover the cost of a match ticket at a future Barclays Premier League away game.

“Obviously, Sunday’s result was disappointing for everyone connected with the club.

“Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognise their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details.”

The club, however, are not offering to pay for the travel costs for the away game of their choice.

This is not the first time a football club have taken such action following a hammering.

Wigan’s players clubbed together to refund the costs of every away fan who travelled to Tottenham to see their team humbled 9-1 at White Hart Lane two years ago.