Arsenal: Now Is the Time for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal to Emulate Barcelona

It seems that nowadays one cannot mention Arsenal without Barcelona, and vice versa.

Whether it be transfers, playing style, comparing successes, or even coaches, the two clubs are almost always put together.

Both clubs have their similarities.

They both play attractive football, they both cultivate youth talent, and they are both among the most storied clubs in their respective leagues.

As of right now, that is where the similarities end.

Barcelona is now basically the big brother of the Premier League giant.

Since Arsene Wenger adopted the 4-3-3 formation that is similar to that of the Catalans, it is evident who is looking up to who.

While Wenger may not necessarily state that Barcelona's success was his reason for changing his oft-used 4-4-2 going into the 2009-10 season, many believe that is the case.

Wenger did not completely adopt the Barcelona style, and it is unlikely that he will. Arsenal has always played a faster paced possession game, which suits the rigors of the Premiership. Barcelona on the other hand have a much more methodical approach, one which is quite successful.

But playing style, and the tactical nuances of two top coaches are not up for discussion here.

The ability to mix youth with experience is.

Up until the 'Invincibles' legendary achievement in '03-'04, Wenger relied on squads that were packed with experience. After that season, the older players were slowly phased out. Some left to find success in greener pastures, while others were left with no choice, due to Wenger's reluctance to give long term contracts to older players.

While this went on, 'The Professor' decided to make a more concerted effort to hone the youth talent within the club. Unfortunately, this project has coincided with a considerable drought in the silverware department.

On the other hand, this current Barcelona squad, led by Pep Guardiola, is now the standard bearer for youth products bringing success to their club.

Barcelona squads have always had some semblance of youth products from the much vaunted La Masia training grounds. However, in years previous to the Guardiola era, the teams were made up of a majority of experienced players, who were not always Barcelona products.

Barcelona has not been afraid to buy, and buy big, when it is needed. This current squad is testament to that. David Villa was bought last summer for 40 million euros, while both Adriano and Javier Mascherano commanded healthy fees themselves.

These three did not necessarily take the Nou Camp by storm, but their contributions were vital to Barcelona's continued success. It is very likely that they will be even more involved, and more productive, next season.

This season Barcelona is again on the forefront of some major signings. Udinese attacker Alexis Sanchez may cost around the same fee as Villa when all is said and done. While Barcelona's prodigal son, Francesc Fabregas, is another target that will cost a high fee.

Barcelona has also been linked with Villarreal forward Giusseppe Rossi, another costly venture. Whether or not there are any other targets, it is safe to say Barcelona will pay, within reason, if they think they need it.

While their spending is nowhere near that of their rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have still incurred a considerable debt. The Villa signing, and similar ones in previous years for Zlatan Ibrahamovic and Daniel Alves, has put a dent in the clubs finances. Club president Sandro Rosell is aware of this, but is probably also aware that money well spent, can bring money in return.

If Barcelona were to continue its success, and haul in trophies regularly, the potential financial reward would prove substantial.

Therein lies Arsenal's problem.

Wenger's reluctance to spend money.

The Gunners have done decently considering the teams overall inexperience and youth. However, if Wenger wants to regain the trophies he sought for so zealously early in his Arsenal career, it is time to spend the money.

Wenger's transfer shrewdness, combined with the increased finances from Arsenal held properties, means that money is available.

It is time to put that to use.

Wenger does need to abandon the youth policy. Guardiola did not. In fact, in his first season in charge, Guardiola promoted a few of the players he knew from the Barcelona B team. The most notable member of the group being Pedro. Guardiola was also aware that youth alone wouldn't cut it. He identified areas of need and spent the money to fix them.

This is what Wenger needs to do, fix the obvious weaknesses of his squad, before August comes around.

This is still no time to give up on Wenger and this group of players. If there is anything to go by, it's the fact that this team has still challenged on all fronts for a number of years.

Hopefully Wenger can take a page out of the Barcelona book again, and bring Arsenal back to the top