Earlier today, Arsene Wenger told the Arsenal faithful not to expect any miracle transfer signings this winter…something us fans should all be used to by now, wouldn’t you say?
The Frenchman is renowned for his bargain shopping in the transfer windows, which has left a number of Arsenal fans (including myself) scratching their heads in disbelief, especially after five years without a trophy.
Wenger claimed earlier in the month that he will not be dwelling in the January transfer window unless it was absolutely necessary. However, the Gunners boss quickly retracted his comments, and we are now led to believe that he will in fact be raiding the market…should the right player become available of course. Wenger was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying:
‘It’s not definite. It depends if somebody goes or not and whether we find on the market something that really gives us a plus – then we will of course not turn it down.’
The Frenchman also added on Arsenal TV:
‘Don’t expect miracles in January; you have a high number of players who have played already in Europe and couldn’t help us in the Champions League, and also clubs do not want to sell their best players.’
He finished off by echoing the words Arsenal fans have come to terms with for the past five years, and quite frankly, a majority don’t like to hear:
‘It’s highly unlikely you find just the player you need in January. It’s not about spending money, it’s about finding just the right player to strengthen a squad that is already very strong.’
I don’t doubt that we have a great team which has developed and grown together for the past five years, but surely Wenger, the man known as the philosopher of football, can see that we do in fact need some strengthening in designated areas of our team?
I’m not saying that Wenger should go mental in January and start splashing the cash (although that would be great to see) but he should acquire what we need to make our team even stronger. All we really require is a solid centre-back and a safe pair of hands to guard the net, that’s it. This should cost, realistically, no more than £15 million…£18 million tops.
Nonetheless, Wenger’s comments imply to me that there will be no new players arriving at the Emirates this January. I hope I’m proven wrong, but history suggests otherwise.
Don’t expect miracles? Pretty much says it all to me.
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I kind of guessed that Wenger, that cheap skate, wouldn’t buy a big name player, I don’t even think he will be a single player at that. I hope I’m wrong, but I can’t see it happening. Wenger should buy either Mexes or Samba as well as Given, who are all under £10 million. Wenger please do us a favour, buy some players so we can win something.
Wenger needs to get his cheque book out and buy some quality players, big name ones at that. I just hope he produces at the end of the season.
Yep I’m up for Season 2 although Kat say’s I can’t start a new team until I’ve pantied the existing one = (Although I’m still hopeful I can convince her to come in with either a Goblin or Snottling team purely for amusement value.As for changes I’ll put a vote towards the Free Fan Factor option rules from Pg 34 of the LTB5.What are you thinking about the length of the next season? I know some folks went crazy with games at the start of the last one but I still think 6 months gives everybody a chance to get involved even if they can only play infrequently.[]Craig Reply:November 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 pmI dunno about 6 months it’s been pretty clear for a while of season one who the top four were going to be. 6 months by get to be a bit of a drag.[]gav Reply:November 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 pmI’m not so certain people will throw in with quite the same intensity we had at the start of Season 1 though where sometimes people fit in one or two games a week.Plus a longer season actually gives the people who don’t have the opportunity to play that often to get in some more games and get in the standings.[]