When Arsene Wenger promised to be busy in the transfer market fans thought it'd be buying players, not battling against the dismemberment of their team. While top clubs have been snapping up top young talent, including Gunners target Phil Jones, Wenger has been trying to stop the departures of Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy. His supporters may argue the off-season is only two weeks old, giving a club renowned for doing things quietly plenty of time to reinforce. Maybe, but why has the club allowed this situation come about? How the hell did they let Clichy and above all Nasri run into the last year of their contracts? With Fabregas leaving for Barca at some stage, the one piece of knowledge comforting Gooners was that they had a replacement in Nasri.
Other clubs don't let this happen. When contracts drift into their last year clubs lose their position of strength. Arsenal should have either tied up Nasri's contract or reluctantly sold him on for a very high figure. He may now go to rivals ManU for a little as £8 million, or be simply flirting in order to increase his wages - either way, Arsenal lose.
All this reaffirms the impression that the motto 'In Arsene We Trust' has gone a little too far. Since David Dein left the club there's been no counterpoint to the manager. Many would argue he too readily surrounds himself with yes men. Arsenal's known weakness is at the back, but defensive coach Pat Rice's contract was renewed recently. In fairness, board members have been in a difficult situation because Wenger brings so much to a club, especially one going through a transitional phase. But perhaps they were a touch too preoccupied with selling their shares.
Fans will be hoping Kroenke's arrival will sort things out. But it remains to be seen if they've sold to the right guy. When Wenger finally leaves, or even before then, the club may regret not going for the dodgy guy with mountains of cash to spend.
United move in for Nasri
Liverpool offer Arsenal £5m for Clichy
Pique: Fabregas must quit Arsenal
1 comment:
It's time for them to liquidate the entire squad and turn the club into a property management company since it seems to be the only thing they do well.
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