Arsenal's head of football Raul Sanllehi has suggested that transfers are not a priority this summer in call with club staff.​

In the weekly video call with all non-playing employees, hosted by Sanllehi and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, the Spaniard is understood to have explicitly played down the prospect of expensive signings in the next transfer window and said transfers are not considered a priority at present.

The Gunners have been linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, who has a release clause of €50million.

Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Nicolas Pepe for £72million as part of an outlay of nearly £100m last summer but Sanllehi's message corresponds with similar public warnings from Manchester United chief Ed Woodward and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, as the Premier League elite prepare for a frugal spell of spending as a result of the shutdown.

The Gunners have been quick to cut spending during the crisis, agreeing significant wage-cuts with the majority of their squad – 12.5 percent for 12 months – while their 14 executives have taken a 30 percent salary reduction for the next year.

Echoing Sanllehi, the Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST) yesterday warned members not to expect big spending in the next transfer window following extensive analysis of the potential impact of the shutdown on the club's finances.

AST forecast that Arsenal are set for a loss of £19m for the year ending May 2020 if the remaining Premier League fixtures are played behind-closed-doors, as expected. Prior to the suspension of football, the Gunners had been on course for an estimated profit of £4m but AST predicted match-day revenue would fall around by £12m to £80m if the club is forced to refund season ticket-holders for the final four Premier League games of the season and two pre-paid cup credits.

With match-day income making up some 24 percent of Arsenal's revenue, AST also forecast that the club would lose £144m if all of next season's matches are played without fans – although there has so far been no indication that such extreme measures are likely.

The Trust also forecast that the absence of season-ticket renewals, which have been postponed, could cost the club £70m, which is usually used to cover costs during the summer months.

In summarising the analysis, which was emailed to all AST members on Wednesday, the Trust said: "The reduction in income from playing BCD for the rest of the season will knock £23m from available cash at the end of the season as will the absence of season ticket renewals (£70m). The combined impact will leave little spare cash this summer, especially if sponsors withhold part of their advance payments for season 2020-21.

"Arsenal’s available cash reserves heading into the summer of 2020-21 could be wiped out and a new borrowing requirement of over £50m being required by the end of July if the club is to meet its commitments to pay other clubs instalments due on player transfers and finance wages in June and July. So we certainly don’t predict a big spending transfer window!"

The Gunners could still finish the season with one new face, however, with William Saliba planning to travel to London when possible after the French league was terminated early.

The 19-year-old centre-half joined Arsenal for £27million in July and immediately returned to St. Etienne on a season-long loan. He is contracted to his former club until June 30 but could train with the Gunners before then, although it is unlikely he will feature this season.