So Fernando Torres transferred from Liverpool to Chelsea for £50 million, Andy Carroll from Newcastle to Liverpool for £35 million, David Luiz from Benfica to Chelsea for £21.3 million, and of course, Luis Suarez from Ajax to Liverpool for a reported £22.7 million…a total of £129 million spent in one evening.
Meanwhile, Arsenal confirmed that Kyle Bartley (a capable centre-back) was to join Glasgow Rangers on loan.
Some people would have you believe that our lack of transfer activity is synonymous with a lack of ambition. Arsenal have a wonderful opportunity to finally end their trophy drought this season, though some fans may believe that the reason they might fall short once again is because of Wenger’s refusal to spend £50 million on a “world class” player.
I would disagree. I say that the lack of transfer activity is a sign of a settled squad. One that is already capable of competing at all levels across all competitions, and one that has unity, which has been lacking during more recent seasons. We have become accustomed to our beloved club failing at the final hurdle, a club unable to turn up at big games, crumbling under pressure, and generally disappointing when it matters most.
A different air encapsulates the Emirates Stadium and its players this term…an air of determination and a collective belief that style is no longer a substitute for trophies.
While the football on display on a Saturday afternoon will certainly not be reminiscent of George Graham’s sides, we are no longer seeing Cesc & co. being bullied off the ball. If you want to come and kick us, that’s great. But be prepared to receive a clump or two for your troubles. This group of players have taken their time growing up, developing, and standing up for themselves, and now we are reaping the rewards.
While Liverpool went out and spent a ridiculous amount of money on two forwards with arguable qualities, Wenger sat at home content in the knowledge that Robin Van Persie is back to his best and keen on destroying any defence that he comes up against. Robin Van Persie cost us £2.75 million in 2004, Andy Carroll cost the Reds £35 million…says it all really. All the while Chelsea were chasing a centre-back in a vain attempt to patch up Chelsea’s defensive frailties, having never truly filled the void left by Ricardo Carvalho. Again, Arsene must have been sat rather comfortably knowing that our most improved player of the season, Johan Djourou, is looking to fulfil his earlier promise. David Luiz cost Chelsea £21.3 million, whilst we acquired Johan Djourou for nothing.
Finally, as Manchester United scramble all over Europe in search of Edwin Van der Sar’s replacement after his recent retirement announcement, up steps Wojciech Szczesny. He has shown more common traits with United’s former red nosed ‘keeper than the Great Dane’s own flappable offspring. And what would the angry Scotsman ‘up Norf’ give for an out of contract Szczesny in the summer? Well you missed that boat Fergie and it has truly sailed.
So while the furore of big money transfers surrounds other clubs and the people over at Sky Sports News get unpleasant stains in their knickers as they play with their fancy iPads and twelve mobile phones counting down the end of the transfer window like an overbearing apocalypse, everyone at Arsenal sits back and shakes their head in bemusement knowing everything is ticking along nicely and going according to plan. Jack Wilshere moving from his sofa to his bed is all the excitement I needed in January.
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Top post! Love a bit of common sense and optimism. In this case both are justified and I am really glad to see Djourou picked out for praise as he has been outstanding! I have a feeling Liverpool’s signings will come off but will they be better than van Persie or Nasri? No chance 🙂
great post, i look forward to many more from the connolly column!
Agreed, very honest appraisal. Djourou has been overlooked for a while and while his confidence grows so does our belief in his abilities. I’m still suprised with Szczeny and how well he has done, he must’ve gone from a ‘non-price-tagged’ player to a couple of mil at least. seems like we always have youth with us, and now that our youth have experience, it seems to be playing on our side, here’s hoping that we get that silverware we need and (imo) deserve this season!
Good post, I agree with most of what your saying however I still feel we’re a bit light at the back. We just don’t have a player that can do what Alex Song can do, Diaby and Denilson just are not diciplined enough to play in his role and when he is not playing we are a bit ‘lightweight’ in the centre of the park. I can understand not getting another centre back in when Song can fill in at the back but as I said when Song is not playing in midfield I feel we lack a bit of steel. If I was Arsene I would have gone for Van Bommell on a 6 month loan deal, not as a starter but as cover for Songs role should he be out injured or covering at CB. He was available and was interested in coming to play in England according to reports.