The Arsenal squad is beginning to look severely depleted, now that Samir Nasri has completed his move to Manchester City. Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboube have also all left the club this summer.
So, these are clearly worrying times to be an Arsenal supporter. In some ways Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy is commendable, but it isn’t a strategy a big Premier League club, should be following.
Investing in youth players is certainly something that all Premier League clubs should be doing. But teams that aspire to win the Premier League title need to invest in top-quality players ready to play. Players that may be stars in four or five years’ time won’t get Arsenal very far in the present.
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, failing to invest is only part of the problem. The other issue is they seem prepared to sell off their best players. The scenario therefore, is that Arsenal will scour the world for the best young talent, develop the talent, and then sell the talent off. This strategy simply makes no sense to a club like Arsenal.
Another issue is the length of time, Arsenal have now gone through without winning a trophy. Current and future players may now feel they are better off at Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea.
The simple fact of the matter is that world-class players want to be successful but that success is unlikely to come to Arsenal in the near future. Fundamental changes will need to be made at the football club for Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title again.
First of all the players that Arsenal have lost must be replaced. And when I say replaced, I mean with established international quality players that can make a difference to Arsenal now.
The squad must be rebuilt and then Arsenal must commit to keeping their best players. If these changes cannot be made then surely questions need to be raised on Arsene Wenger and if he is really the right man to move Arsenal forward.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have all shown this summer that they are prepared to spend big on world-class players. Liverpool and Manchester United in particular, has shown the need to develop youth players, as part of a successful strategy.
The question is, could Arsene Wenger be suited to a different role at the football club. A role developing and sourcing the best young talent, while a new manager is brought in who is prepared to spend big on signings.
Arsene Wenger’s current transfer strategy is really more suited to a smaller club that need to sell their best players to survive. It is not suited to Arsenal, and they must change their strategy to win the Premier league title again. However, can Arsene Wenger change?
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