Arsenal director Danny Fizsman, last night, revealed that Arsene Wenger has plenty of transfer funds at his disposal. Fizsman’s statement generates an interesting question? Why hasn’t Wenger splashed the cash this summer?
Wenger is renowned for being a shrewd operator in the transfer market, purchasing cheap youngsters and exploiting their potential. He is a rare breed of manager, one whom, whilst wanting to build a successful team, also has one eye on the financial situation at the club.
There have been murmurings of discontent circulating Ashburton Grove, at the beginning of this season, from fans aggrieved at Wenger’s reluctance to delve into the transfer market for an established player.
Fizsman’s comments will not help matters.
Last season’s "final hurdle" fall-away was reasoned for by many as being due to Arsenal’s lack of experience and squad depth. With the cash in his pockets, Wenger could ensure that similar excuses are irrelevant this time around.
Yet, Wenger has stated his belief that Arsenal doesn’t require the boost of another proven player. He believes the squad is talented enough already. Favouring those he has groomed through the youth ranks at the club.
Such intent is not consistent with the trophy-laden teams Wenger has built in the past though. The "Invincibles" of 2004, for example, included many expensive players: Robert Pires (£7million from Marseille), Thierry Henry (£11 million from Juventus), Sylvain Wiltord (£13 million from Bordeaux), Jose Antonio Reyes (£18 million from Sevilla), and Lauren (£6 million from Real Mallorca), amongst others.
The current economic downturn may factor in his decision to trust in youth, but the fact of the matter is, it's not Wenger’s job to worry about the club’s financial situation, he just has to create a team capable of winning competitions.
We are very grateful for the luxury of having a financially secure club with a good team on the pitch, but the time has come to make one big push for silverware. Another top-class player will be a welcomed addition.
The opening four games of the season are never the best indicator of how a season will pan out, but watching the games, the early signs suggest that Arsenal have not improved significantly enough to mount a more sustained challenge.
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