Arsene Wenger's transfer dealings (Part-1)

Arsene Wenger : Transfer dealer supreme.

We have heard it before. Arsene Wenger is a master of the transfer market. The signing of Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit being touted as prime examples of his genius. However, ever since Arsenal have shifted base from Highbury to the Emirates, Wenger’s hands have been perceived to have been tied, with his transfer dealings not quite hitting the mark.

In this 3 part ratings and analysis of new players joining the club, starting from 2006-07, there is a trend which clearly indicates that Arsene is second to none, when it comes to spotting talent in previously unknown players. The first part deals with goalkeepers and defenders, who have been deemed good enough by Arsene to be a part of Arsenal Football Club.

1. Lukasz Fabianski – 6

It sure took Lukasz Fabianski some time to make his mark at Arsenal. A tendency to err in handling high crosses coming into the box, cruelly earned him the nickname ‘Flappyhandski’. A weakness which was taken full advantage by teams like Blackburn and Stoke. Arsene however, stuck by his man and was rewarded by some brilliant performances against Wolves, Manchester City and Partizan Belgrade. However, just as he was establishing himself as the No.1 keeper, a shoulder injury ruled him out and he was usurped by Wojciech Szczesny. Lukasz is now No.2 behind Szczesny.

2. Wojciech Szczesny – 8

His league debut for Arsenal was a quintessential ‘Baptism by Fire’. At 20 years of age, Szczesny started for Arsenal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite being on the losing side that day, Szczesny put in an assured performance and after a long time, Arsenal fans could finally rest, in the knowledge that they had a quality man between the sticks. Szczesny has quickly established himself to be Arsene’s first choice with a string of eye-catching performances. With the departure of Manuel Almunia, Szczesny has also been given the No.1 shirt this season, which he can hopefully keep as his own for a long time to come.

3. Joe O’Cearuill – 0

One of Arsene’s duds. Joe was bought as a 19 year old defender in 2006. After just one appearance in a Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial match, he was loaned out to Brighton and sold to Barnet in the following season.

4. William Gallas – 7

William Gallas moved from Chelsea in 2006 in a swap deal with Ashley Cole. With Arsenal also receiving 5 million pounds as part of the deal, it was considered a real steal. Gallas quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet and was made captain in 2007 and at the same time also forged a strong partnership with Kolo Toure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. However, an incident during Birmingham followed by an interview in which he seemed to criticize some of his younger teammates, Gallas was stripped of the armband in 2008. He, however, kept his place in the starting 11 for yet another season and finally left on a free transfer to Tottenham in 2010 after refusing to sign a new contract.

5. Bacary Sagna – 10

After being signed in 2007 from Auxerre, Bac has been one of the most reliable players for Arsenal. Being named in the PFA Team of the Year in his very first season, Bacary has developed into one of the finest right backs in the Premier League. While his foraging runs down the right provide a welcome attacking outlet, he has also been superb at the back and Arsenal have sorely missed his presence whenever he has been out injured.

6. Kyle Bartley – 5

After joining from Bolton in 2007, Neil Banfield tipped him for big things when he was named Reserve team captain. A loan move to Sheffield United was supposed to aid in his development. However, he has been unable to make the step up to the first team and has been farmed out on loan for Rangers for the past two years after spending a year at Sheffield United. This season might just be his last chance to stake a claim for a place in the Arsenal squad.

7. Havard Nordtveit – 0

Another Reserve team captain who never quite made the grade. After being signed from Haugesund in 2007, Nordtveit was considered to be a bright European prospect by his Norwegian teammates. His career never quite took off at Arsenal beyond the Reserves and after successive loan spells at Salamanca, Lillestrom and Nurnberg, Nordtveit was finally sold to Borussia Monchengladbach last year.

8. Mikael Silvestre – 2

Another signing which left Arsenal fans scratching their heads. Silvestre never looked confident at the back and mistake after mistake punctuated his time at Arsenal. His best days were quite firmly behind him during his last few appearances for Manchester United, and he only managed to bring in some nervousness to the already fragile Arsenal backline. Arsenal fans were happy to get rid of him when he left on a free transfer to Werder Bremen to plague another team with his mistakes.

9. Ignasi Miquel – 5

One certainly hopes Ignasi’s career trajectory is not the same as the previous two Reserve captains that Arsenal have had. Ignasi joined from Barcelona, after the Catalans refused to give him a professional deal. A versatile player who has been equally comfortable at centre back as well as left back, Ignasi is being mooted for a loan deal to give him some much needed competitive experience. While the intial signs look good, only time will tell how good a defender he will turn out to be.

10. Thomas Vermaelen – 9

Quite possibly, Arsenal’s next captain. The Verminator has been a crucial defender for Arsenal. Even though a season long injury in his second season curtailed his effectiveness, he was a mainstay of the Arsenal defence last season also popping up with crucial goals against Newcastle and Everton. Having also signed a new long term contract, Thomas has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and if he remains injury free this season, it would be of great joy to the Arsenal fans.

11. Sol Campbell – 8

With injuries crippling Arsenal’s backline, Sol Campbell’s signing was a much needed relief for Wenger. Despite his advancing age, Sol started game after game for Arsenal in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas. His calm head at the back was essential towards the end of the 2009-10 season, as Arsenal were down with so many injuries in defence.

12. Laurent Koscielny – 10

Laurent Koscielny has been a colossus at the back for Arsenal. His first season was impressive for a defender just introduced to the rigours of the Premier League and despite getting sent off on his debut against Liverpool, Koscielny’s performance improved by leaps and bounds. His best moment was the 2-1 victory at home against Barcelona , his impressive on the ball skills earned him rave reviews. Koscielny built on his performances in his second season at the club and his ability to play at right back as well makes him a crucial part of the Arsenal squad.

13. Sebastian Squillaci – 3

Maybe it is that No.18 shirt. Or maybe he just isn’t good enough. Unlike the previous holder of the No.18 shirt, Squillaci has had some decent performances for Arsenal. However, these have been interspersed with some quite comical errors. With Manuel Almunia in goal, there were some pretty comical misunderstandings which led to some unnecessary goals being conceded. Squillaci is now being linked with a move away from the club, but his exceptionally high salary at Arsenal seems to be the sticking point. Whatever maybe the outcome, he is another No.18 Arsenal fans would be glad to see the back of.

14. Carl Jenkinson – 6

A boyhood Arsenal fan, Carl Jenkinson was snapped up from relative obscurity at Charlton. Being signed mainly as a defensive cover for Bacary Sagna, Jenkinson was quickly thrust into the spotlight after inuries to Sagna and Johan Djourou ruled them out for a few weeks. Jenkinson did however impress with his pace and crossing ability in the few games that he played, although his positioning looked a little doubtful. Nevertheless, just as he was settling into the team, he suffered a stress fracture on his back. As Bacary Sagna still remains injured, Jenkinson looks likely to start the new season in the starting 11, something which will only aid his development.

15. Per Mertesacker – 7

For a big guy, Mertesacker sure does get beaten a lot in the air. And quite surprisingly he is much better with the ball at his feet. His lack of pace is also another concern since Arsenal do tend to play with a high backline. Despite all this, he brings an excellent reading of the game to the table and is a calm and reassuring presence at the back. He certainly got better at his game as the season progressed last year and his injury against Sunderland came when he was firmly establishing his place in the starting 11. He will almost certainly be used as a backup this year when both Koscielny and Vermaelen are fit, but with his experience and ability, he sure isn’t a bad backup to have.

16. Andre Santos – 6

His defensive skills maybe questionable but then again, Arsenal have not had a reliable defensive left back since Ashley Cole left. But he does bring a massive attacking threat and his goals against Chelsea and West Brom show that he is a pretty good finisher as well. Arsene has mostly played him as a left winger during this pre-season and it remains to be seen whether that is the position that he finally sees Santos playing in. For the time being though, he will battle with Kieran Gibbs to be the first choice left back.

This gives an average rating of 7 for the goalkeepers and 5.5 for the defenders which Arsene has bought since 2006. While his goalkeeping buys have been excellent, his defensive buys are slightly above average. However, considering how every single transfer is a gamble having an average of 5.5 is extremely commendable. For all practical purposes, Arsene hasn’t been a bad buyer at least in these 2 areas of the team.