Arsenal: It's time for Arsene to spend some money

Watching Manchester United regain the premiership crown last night, and deservedly so, would no doubt be a wake-up call for Manchester City to strengthen their squad, and resolve their managerial problems in the case of Chelsea, to try wrestling back the title from the champions. Repercussions of this win, however, would also be severe in a part of North London.

Having to see former talisman fire Man United to the title last night, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal now face the unpleasant ordeal of having to give the guard of honor to the newly crowned champions in front of their own fans at the Emirates. The fact that their former captain would be one of those would make it even more heartbreaking for the Gunners faithful. Come next Sunday, the multitudes at the Emirates should really wonder whether their motto of “In Arsene We Trust” is really justified.

There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger has been, and still is, one of the best managers in modern football. Arsenal were worthy challengers to Manchester United in the last decade and early part of this one, but over the last few years have faded out of the title race. This may have been due to the emergence of Chelsea and Manchester City, but the fact that Arsenal are a fading force in football is there for all to see.

The departures of Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and of course, Robin Van Persie have deeply wounded Arsenal. These players have moved onto greener pastures and have tasted success at club level. They have also left a void that Arsenal have been trying to fill with mediocre talent but have not had much success. The likes of Giroud, Podolski and Gervinho are good players but certainly nowhere close to the ones they have replaced. Santi Carzola and Jack Wilshere are still world class footballers but there is always the fear that they too could follow the steps of their peers and abandon ship in the hunt for silverware.

It is no secret that Wenger and the board need to change their approach when it comes to dealing with transfers. Arsenal need to hang on to their star players and must dive into the transfer market if the club wants to mount a title challenge from next year. The gaffer’s policy of nurturing young talent and making them the best in the world has backfired miserably and there is a shout for quality players to be bought this transfer window to compliment the ones they already have at Arsenal FC. Robin Van Persie was just as lethal in front of goal last year but Arsenal but did not have support from quality players as Rooney,Carrick, Kagawa or Welbeck have done so this season.

Fans and players will forever respect Arsene Wenger as a legend and a father figure and he has already carved his own niche in the club’s history, but change is now more essential than ever at Arsenal FC and eight long years without silverware is nothing short of a disaster. If Mr.Wenger and the board are not up to it, then the change must happen for the benefit of the club. Come Sunday, another former player will be back at the gates of the Emirates covered in glory and a trophy in his cabinet and among the claps, there would be a doubt in the fan’s minds if Arsenal would return to the same pedestal anytime soon.