Where’s the money, Arsene?

Another of those countless exasperated fans

A player linked to Arsenal ends up anywhere but Arsenal. The last player Wenger publically pursued and got successfully was probably Chamakh – that too a year later – for free. Perhaps, this is how Wenger likes to do his business, under the wraps, finding great players while diverting the attention away from them by throwing up different names in public for rival teams to chase. But right now what the fans and the club need are a few good and really solid signings irrespective of whether it comes from under the wraps or from a public pursuit.

In a bid to sign big players, Arsenal has released or ‘chopped’ away the deadwood from the team, only to deplete the squad of any sort of backup. No one would argue that the players released were just picking up salaries week in and week out without adding much to the team, but at least they contributed to the numbers. The lack of depth in the squad was totally exposed in the opening game against Villa, with players like Walcott and Cazorla having to take the field and Podolski coming in as a replacement for injured Sagna.

These players were away and involved in international duties just three days prior to the match and should have been rested with able replacements available. Injuries to Arteta, Gibbs, Sagna, Chamberlain, Koscielny’s suspension have all compounded the worries of Wenger. With Squillaci released, Djourou and Miquel sent out on loan and Vermaelen injured, it’s shocking to see Arsenal start the campaign with only two fit defenders given a very hectic schedule to follow. Koscielny’s unavailability in the next game will force Wenger to come up with a makeshift defender and jeopardise Arsenal’s chances in the game. And there’s mid-week Champions League qualification to deal with roo.

The only silver lining, however, is that there is still about two weeks left for the transfer window to shut and there is a heap of cash locked away safely in some iron vault of which Wenger and Gazidis hold the key. A marquee signing is needed to uplift the morale of the fans, uplift the morale of the team.

And at this point of time, even if a big signing is not possible, an addition in numbers is hugely important as it is very much out in the open now that there is no depth in the squad. The next two weeks are the make or break time for Arsenal. With the core team intact, big signings will propel Arsenal into the race for the title effortlessly. Failing to do so will once again condemn Arsenal to compete for the last Champions League spot which would be even difficult this year, given that the teams around Arsenal have strengthened significantly over the summer.

Questions need to be asked, acquisitions need to be made, and quickly. Where’s that 70m, Arsenal? If there was ever a best time to spend that money, it would be now!