To the fans, it's frustrating. But to Wenger...it is equally so. Why haven't Arsenal bought? After so many promises of new recruits, why have no new faces arrived? The simple truth, in my opinion, is the wage bill is full, and Arsenal must sell before they can buy. Denilson & Bendtner were crying out for new clubs. Now it seems, no-one will buy Bendtner for 12m, and Denilson's agent has stated that he's most likely to be at the club next year. Squillaci & Rosicky were also said to be up for grabs (though Rosicky has stated Arsene has him in his plans for next year). Now that Clichy has gone, expect one new player. If Fabregas goes, expect one or two. If Nasri goes, another can come in. But the reality is, unless the dead-wood can be shifted, the side can't be strengthened. In the end, it'll probably be a last minute scramble, with Denilson avaialable for 3m, Bendtner for 7m, Squillaci for 3, and Wenger will grab a couple of last-minute additions right before the window closes.
Arsenal have not bought anyone yet because we have to sort the Fabregas and Nasri situations out. Cesc is by no means certain to leave, Barca refuse/cannot match our valuation. If either stay it could have a massive effect on Wengers strategy for the new season. Also Wenger has to assess the youngsters who have come back from loan, especially Botelho, Traore, Lansbury and Bartley. Whats the point of sending players on loan if you are not going to give them a chance to prove themselves when they come back?
Arsenal arn't buying because Wenger is ****ing procrastinating like a madman. This is a make or break transfer window for Wenger. If he ****s this one up it's over for him. Wenger has in the past shown he's capable of brilliance in the transfer market but he's far too often let the economist in him dictate things. Im convinced Wenger would know what players would be right to improve the squad.. However.. As always it's hard to see the truth from the 'rumours' but what upsets me is Wenger's lack of fight when addressing the big issues. Had it been United having 4-5 of their first team rumoured to be leaving Ferguson would no doubt come out fighting and address the situation, he would also fight tooth and nail to keep his most important players. Wenger on the other hand stays silent, leaves us guessing which only exacerbates the situation. Sometimes I wish the man would show a little more backbone.
Wenger works behind the scenes, so the fans will never hear what's going on till it's done. He has done well to keep Cesc for the last 2 years, and has done brilliantly well in maintaining a top 4 spot, and being in the hunt for trophies till the now inevitable Spring Collapse. For most of the last 6 years we have arrived at February/March thinking we have a chance at least 1 trophy. This is remarkable when you consider how little in comparison to the non-sustaianbly proflifate Man Utd, Cheslea, Liverpool spend. Look at what happened to Villa - spent big, didn't quite make it, now they are nowehere again. ALthough it;'s frustrating seeing the others steal a march in the transfer stakes, I would rather on reflection like to see the squad build some collective resolve and fight for trophies without relying non big name signings. I can honestly accept a tropyless season so long as the team is competing and is fighting for honours. I would hate to see us go for broke, then fail and then spend 4 5 years trying to get back to it. Regardless of what happens, so long as Wenger is still there I thnk we can look forward to an interesting season.
That's kind of a weird way too look at it. Why not just fight to keep the squad together, show some resilience and add 2-3 top players? Just for once.
Why don't we wait until the end of the transfer window - and then assess how well Wenger has done? To be fair to him, he has said that most activity will take place towards the end of July. He also said in that breath that 'that's when we will really need to strengthen this team' This is a marked difference from seasons gone by when he has said that maybe he will add one or two.
Piskie wrote; Why don't we wait until the end of the transfer window - and then assess how well Wenger has done? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Where's the fun in that, you're always saying wait until......something or other.... but that something never comes and Wenger is never judged.... The whole point of these forums is speculation about what might happen, not that much ever does happen where Wenger is concerned except selling players to our rivals. The main thing we already know is that Wenger will never spend big whatever happens and it will be a case of signing the same old same old i.e; 16/17 year old kids 2nd rate French league 2 rejects or over the hill pro's like Sol, Jens,or Silvestre This is our lot and will be until Wenger goes in 2 years time.
Firstly hopefully Wenger will extend his contract in 2 years time as normal. Secondly, He doesn't just buy: 16/17 year old kids - although it's always good to buy for the future. 2nd rate French league 2 rejects - I rate Kos highly. or over the hill pro's like Sol, Jens,or Silvestre - Sol did a good job and Jens was good experienced cover in a keeping injury crisis. Do i really need to list all the quality players he has bought over the years (henry, Pires, Ljungberg etc.)? Or just recently? As in Arshavin, Vermaelen, Nasri, Rosicky (although he's **** now), Ramsey, etc. I agree with Piskie, wait until the end of the summer. Last summer he bought 2 centre backs, which we were crying out for. I doubt he expected either to be playing regularly until they were settled, but injuries forced him to. Koscielny got better and better as he settled into the English game. Unfortunately Squill is not good enough.
Frankly, half the players we've been linked to are not good enough, so why be upset about missing out on them? Samba is never going to be on the level of Pique, Puyol, Vidic, Ferdinand, Terry, Alex, Pepe and yet we want Samba because a tabloid linked him to us and he shouts a lot. If Wenger doesn't get Samba, Cahill, Kevin Doyle, N'Zogbia then that means we still have some self respect.
I generally agree. With the exception of Gary Cahill - who I think would make the step up in level easily. We need Top Class Signings.
