As Arsenal face up to what looks set to be a sixth season without a trophy, I'm going to analyses five key issues facing Arsene Wenger this summer. "SPEND, SPEND, SPEND? If reports are to be believed, Wenger has around ã40million at his disposal. While that is set to be for both transfer fees and wages, it should still provide more than enough cash to inject some experienced heads into a young squad which, so far, has again failed to justify Wenger's unwavering faith. However, the Gunners boss has always proved reluctant in the past to splash out on big-name signings - wary of a deal for Spain international Xabi Alonso from Liverpool - preferring instead to develop from within, like with England's teenage midfielder Jack Wilshere, or pick up free transfers as with Marouane Chamakh, who faded badly after a promising start to his debut Premier League season. SELL BEFORE YOU BUY? Few would argue Wenger's first XI are more than a match for any side across Europe. However, too many times when the likes of key men Robin van Persie or Cesc Fabregas have been out injured, those stepping in have not been up to the challenge. Wenger must decide whether fringe players like Denilson, Abou Diaby, Sebastien Squillaci, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela are now on borrowed time, whether to offer Gael Clichy a new deal or indeed cash in on the undoubted but inconsistent talent of Andrey Arshavin. While Wenger is clearly reluctant to let players whom the club have invested a lot of time and effort in leave, if they are simply not good enough replacements, then he would be better off buying some ready-made ones who are. Of course it goes without saying that cashing in on Fabregas is not an option... STICK WITH ONE NUMBER ONE Wenger tried and failed to land an experience goalkeeper last summer, with proposed deals for Jose Reina and Mark Schwarzer falling through. Neither veteran Manuel Almunia - surely on his way out of the club - nor Lukasz Fabianski have instilled any sort of confidence in a shaky Gunners rearguard this season. Wojciech Szczesny may only have just turned 21, but the Pole has shown great confidence when thrust into first-team action, and apart from a mix-up with the equally culpable Laurent Koscielny in the Carling Cup final, has produced some consistent displays. Wenger must now decide whether to back Szczesny and bring in experienced cover as back-up or spend some of that ã40m war chest on a proven shot-stopper. THE EMIRATES EFFECT When Arsenal moved to their new 60,000-seater home in North London, they looked set to establish a fortress. Both promoted sides West Brom and Newcastle won there earlier in the season, and the Gunners continue to be unable to break down determined defences, despite being willed on by their ever-restless home support. Premier League leaders Manchester United have dropped just two points at home; Arsenal have drawn four and lost three. That statistic must change if the Gunners are ever to climb back to the top of the pile. BACK ROOM STAFF With veteran assistant Pat Rice yet to commit to a new contract extension, Wenger is likely to have to find a new sounding board and confidante in the dugout. There are plenty of coaches who would jump at the chance of working alongside Wenger. But if, as expected, the 62-year-old Northern Irishman does retire, then this could be the most important decision the Arsenal manager makes ahead of another quest to silence the doubters next season."
Wenger seriously needs a clearout... I know you'll probs ignore this as I'm a Saints fan but it's hard to miss all this when the Prem has converage 24/7. Wenger needs to sharpen the back, like he has said endlessly over the years... He needs to buy experience rather than cheap, young players... I'm amazed how he is still there after winning nothing for 6 years...
Very good article In answer to it i think we should 1) Splash out on the best players we can afford. 2) Get rid of some players who are injured too often and don't pull their weight (Rosicky, Vela, Denilson, Diaby etc) 3) Stick with Szczesny. 4) Don't really know what to say about that 5) If Rice does go then we should get someone who is extremely good at defensive organisation. Rickie Lambert Your contribution is appreciated but that is pretty much the most generic, obvious, cliched comment I have seen on this site.
Ye, I didn't want to go into detail, Robin... You know how some fans can be; 'YOU KNOW NOTHING, YOURS CLUBS NOT EVEN IN THIS LEAGUE etc...' Some people are such idiots that they don't pay attention to others comments from a different club and just criticise, so I didn't want to start something like that. Arsenal are a very good team but they need to be consistent and buy some players taht can fight against the best All the best P.S. I used to support Arsenal
Ah I see what you mean Lambert, anyway no worries and thanks for the kind words. Your Cesc is on Fire You disgust me
Well mate I'm 17... When I firt got interested in football I supported Man Utd, then Arsenal... However, I had always had a season ticket with the rest of my family at Saints and after we got relegatedI became a bigger fan and now they are my number one team And I love supporting Saints! <3
How embarrassing that my mother is also my sister My motto is keep it in the family, coz I'm a depraved little ****er
http://www.teamtalk.com/columns/6896207/Five-things-for-Wenger-to-ponder-in-summer Hiz Where is your reference?
tbf, if you look closely he did put it in quotation marks, but NO REFERENCE!! PLAGIARISM!!! I KILL YOU
