Money In The Bank: Do Arsenal Need To Get Out The Cheque Book?
Is spending money a foolproof way of achieving success? Many fans seem to think so in Arsenal’s case.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has come under increasing pressure to splash the cash following his side’s humbling opening day defeat at home to Aston Villa. But would doing so legitimately help to solve problems at the Emirates, or would it simply be a knee-jerk reaction?
Various reports suggest that Arsenal have cash to spend, with their French manager having acted prudently in the transfer market during his 17 years in charge in north London. Emphasis has often been placed on youth and promoting from within, with England internationals Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere two of the more recent players to graduate from the club’s academy.
Many supporters condemned last year’s sale of Robin van Persie to rivals Manchester United, who would continue his amazing form to help return the Premier League title to Old Trafford. Ambitions of such success exist amongst the Arsenal faithful, something which player sales and limited spending has seen their manager accused of lacking. Failing to replaces the likes of van Persie has also drawn criticism, with the combined Premier League goals of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud unable to match the prolific Dutchman’s final total with the Gunners. What’s more, RVP’s league goals total alone in his last season at the Emirates was barely exceeded by the two new forwards’ combined strikes in all competitions.
A solid 3-0 win in Turkey against an unconvincing Fenerbahce side will have appeased Arsenal supporters for now, as they look set to advance to the Champions League group stages. What they demand of the club, though, is further progression in such tournaments, as well as establishing a solid challenge at the very top of the Premier League.
We are led to believe that Arsene Wenger not only has complete control of his team, but also the finances at Arsenal. The last time the Frenchman was sucked into the madness of transfer deadline day in 2011, he spent almost £25 million on three players.
Gunners fans will hope for similar big-money signings before the end of the month. At the same time, the memory of expensive flops like Andre Santos may support Wenger’s cautious behaviour.
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