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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05:  Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger takes an Arsenal Opening Training session at Emirates Stadium on August 5, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger takes an Arsenal Opening Training session at Emirates Stadium on August 5, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Five Things We Thought Arsene Wenger Would Do This Summer

Callum D'SouzaAug 11, 2010

With the Premier League season beginning in just under a week, the excitement is hard to contain. 2010/2011 is set to be one of the most exciting seasons yet and with so many teams contending for the title, no one knows what could occur.

It is set to also be a huge season for Arsenal. The Gunners have not secured a trophy in five seasons now and with Wenger on his last contracted season at the club, failure this season could result in the end of the Frenchman's amazing tenure.

The North London side have been in strong pre season form and with many members on their talented roster maturing greatly over recent years it is growing increasingly likely the Gunners will be a force not to be reckoned with.

However a glaring concern for fans is the lack of Summer signings especially in the defensive and goalkeeping departments. One of Arsenal main concern was the lack of depth in defence and the lack of quality in goal. Due to the lack of silverware Wenger vowed to implement changes into his side but has since failed to really bolster his squad only adding imposing striker Marouane Chamakh, and little known French defender Laurent Koscienly.

Furthermore Wenger refused to resign experienced defenders Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell ensuring he has a frail,Ā inexperienceĀ defence. Yes, there were many things the footballing world thought Wenger would do this Summer but he hasn't.

Let's look what they are.

5. Sign Joe Cole

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05:  Joe Cole of Liverpool shows his frustration during the Europa League, Third Qualifying Round, Second Leg match between Liverpool and FK Rabotnicki at Anfield on August 5, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Joe Cole of Liverpool shows his frustration during the Europa League, Third Qualifying Round, Second Leg match between Liverpool and FK Rabotnicki at Anfield on August 5, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/

As expected with transfer windows a host of rumours are sent swirling viciously. Alongside the absurd Cesc Fabregas Barcelona campaign was the news that Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole had declined to resign with the London giants and was seeking elsewhere.

After several weeks it had emerged that Arsenal were the front runners to sign the talented Englishman and reports than stated that before heading to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup with England, Cole had formally agreed to join the Gunners on a free transfer.

Sadly after returning from a dull campaign with the "Three Lions", the 28 year old turned his attention to Anfield where he eventually signed with Liverpool thus becoming one of new manager Roy Hodgson's first signings.

4. Resign Sol Campbell

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24:  Sol Campbell of Arsenal passes the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on April 24, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Sol Campbell of Arsenal passes the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on April 24, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

After Wenger allowed defenders Philippe Senderos, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre all depart. All expected the Frenchman to resign Sol Campbell who returned to the club in January. Resigning Campbell wouldĀ stabilizeĀ the defence and ensure there was sufficient leadership and experience.

However after much speculation the 35 year old finally signed with newly promoted Newcastle on a free agent and Arsenal defence was left severly inexperienced.

3. Sign Two Quality Defenders

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04:  Phil Jagielka of Everton during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Everton Chile at Goodison Park on August 4, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Phil Jagielka of Everton during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Everton Chile at Goodison Park on August 4, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

As mentioned in the latter, Wenger allowed a host of defenders to depart and only replaced them with one signing, Laurent Koscienly from Lorient FC. The Frenchman was virtuallyĀ unknownĀ before signing with the Gunners and only two seasons ago was playing in the French Lique 2.

But Wenger has aĀ sensationalĀ eye when it comes to buying so the 25 year old has to be pretty decent especially if he is to help lead the Arsenal defence. But with Wenger desperate for trophies and to reinstate Arsenal dominance, the Gunners need a quality side which means quality players. Currently the defence lacks another quality presence and it seems unlikely it is going to come before the close of the transfer window.

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2. Sign A New Keeper

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16:  Pepe Reina of Liverpool gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Liverpool and Debrecen VSC at Anfield on September 16, 2009 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Pepe Reina of Liverpool gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Liverpool and Debrecen VSC at Anfield on September 16, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

As expected with transfer windows a host of rumours are sent swirling viciously. Alongside the absurd Cesc Fabregas Barcelona campaign was the news that Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole had declined to resign with the London giants and was seeking elsewhere.

After several weeks it had emerged that Arsenal were the front runners to sign the talented Englishman and reports than stated that before heading to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup with England, Cole had formally agreed to join the Gunners on a free transfer.

Sadly after returning from a dull campaign with the "Three Lions", the 28 year old turned his attention to Anfield where he eventually signed with Liverpool thus becoming one of new manager Roy Hodgson's first signings.

1. Spend More Than £10 Million

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 17:  Manager Arsene Wenger of Arsenal waves during the pre-season friendly match between Barnet and Arsenal at Underhill on July 17, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 17: Manager Arsene Wenger of Arsenal waves during the pre-season friendly match between Barnet and Arsenal at Underhill on July 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

The news that Wenger would be implementing changes into his squad aroused excitement for fans. The Gunners had good money to spend thus potentially meaning some big names could be arriving. But money wise Wenger has only spent £10 million all of which was spent on Koscienly.

Although it is somewhat beneficial for the Gunners with the saving Wenger has instated but it is somewhat disappointing.

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