Arsenal's business - How good has the transfer window been?

ATTACK – 1.5/5

Yaya Sanogo

Failure to add a goal-scoring machine to spearhead the attack has been a disappointing event for Arsenal. It’s a key area, which has been acknowledged by Wenger himself as a weak spot.

Giroud has been good for Arsenal, but he lacks that killer finish and most importantly, a competition for his spot in the team. Linked to some of the giants of the game like Rooney, Suarez, Benzema and Higuain, Arsenal failed to sign any of them. Demba Ba‘s loan deal failing out at the 11th hour hit hard on any chances of landing a quality striker.

Backup would be provided in the form of Yaya Sanogo, a French youngster signed on a free transfer. Sanogo is an exciting prospect for the future, but expecting him to step up and perform straightaway in the EPL is too much to ask.

Also returning to the club are Bendtner and now oblivious, Park Chu Young.

Bendtner was minutes away from being a Crystal Palace player when he was recalled after Ba deal fell through. He should now put aside his arrogance and work his way back in the club’s pecking order.

OVERALL – 3.5/5

Overall, Arsenal seemed to have done a decent business in the transfer window. In my opinion, the following would be the standout talking points in this window –

1) No major Arsenal player has left the club.

2) The deadwood is gone which is a major plus. Arsenal have been able to free up their wage bills by a huge margin by shipping out players that weren’t adding much value to the squad.

3) No addition in defence. With Vermaelen out injured, it is surprising that Arsenal let both Djourou and Miquel go out on loan. We have seen the consequences of having no cover already, with Sagna having to stand in for a couple of games.

4) No top quality striker signed.

5) Mesut Ozil! The solitary big name signing, but definitely the strongest contender to be the signing of the season. His arrival to the Emirates has lifted not only the mood around the club but also the quality of the squad by some great standards.

Further addition of 2-3 players would have definitely made Arsenal instant title favourites. But credits must be given where due, and Wenger has outdone himself in the transfer window.

Facing the brunt of Arsenal fans up until the deadline day, Wenger has delivered on his promise to land a game changer for the club.

Ozil’s move to Arsenal can prove a stepping stone for Arsenal as they turn a corner in their transfer policies. Wenger has taken a small gamble here by not signing a striker or a defender in this window, but if the current squad stays fit, boosted with the addition of Ozil, they can have a strong run moving ahead in the season.

And come January, Wenger can plug in the gaps and make Arsenal a force to reckon with.