Arsenal: Their possible failure in the upcoming 2008/9 season

As an Arsenal fan, I am heavily disappointed with Arsene Wenger's transfer policy yet again.

I know he has a penchant for youth, and capable youths, but this is a competition where the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and (gasp!) Spurs are spending heavily to bolster their squads with top stars.

It is frustrating at times to see top names like Torres, Keane and Deco get snapped up by rivals that are in direct competition to Arsenal for the title.

Let me set this straight.

I have nothing against Wenger for his ability to nurture a world star from a budding 16 year old. He has done it for players like Fabregas, Cole and Clichy.

Heck, he has even turned stagnating footballers (think Henry) into phenomenal players.

Yet, we cannot discount the fact that there is a football competition to play. Arsenal has always been reputed as one of the top clubs in England. We should not only be about nurturing top talent, we should also be associated with winning titles as well.

Since the 03/04 season, Wenger seems less interested in winning the title than nurturing his fledglings.

As we head into the new season, Wenger has not done anything to grab the transfer headlines, apart from the purchase of Samir Nasri.

He has yet again chosen to fill his side with youths like Ramsey, Bischoff and Vela.

Take nothing away from these lads, but they are far from being finished articles.

Arsenal has released two top notch players in Hleb and Flamini, yet very little is being done to replace them.

It is simply incomprehensible how Wenger hopes to be able to challenge effectively for the title again with a squad of unproven youngsters.

If Arsenal doesn't want to risk falling behind their EPL rivals in the latter stages of the season again, Wenger has to bolster his squad with at least two more proven players. This is especially so in the areas of defensive midfield and the wing.

Any Arsenal fan will remember how our captain William Gallas sat in the middle of the football pitch, tearing in frustration, after the draw with Birmingham last season.

These scenes look set to repeat themselves again if Wenger maintains this paper thin squad for the upcoming season.