Arsenal Transfers: Arsene Wenger Takes Huge Gamble by Sticking to His Principles

Arsene Wenger's decision not to spend big in the January transfer window may represent a refreshing commitment to sensible financial ideals, but it is also a huge risk by the Gunners boss. Arsenal's lack of transfer activity means that Wenger has faith that his current squad can get back into the top four.

This is a squad that has already lost eight Premier League games and is currently six points off the fourth spot. Yet Wenger's only foray into the market was to purchase potential-filled but little-known youngster Thomas Eisfeld from Borussia Dortmund.

It's hard to know whether or not to feel some admiration for Wenger's courage and determination in staying loyal to the way he believes a team should be built.

But it's just as easy to be stunned by the club's apparent conviction that this particular squad is good enough to overtake Chelsea and stay clear of Liverpool, without quality reinforcements.

The honest reaction to the Gunners' transfer dealings is probably to feel a little of both emotions. Nobody spent big in this window, and it's possible to feel a grain of pride about how Arsenal persist in trying to remain fiscally responsible.

It's also easy to still be impressed with Wenger's ability to spring a surprise. The Gunners boss has a knack for contradicting nearly every media rumour and unveiling unknowns that few fans or pundits have even considered or heard of.

This way of doing things has now become a part of Arsenal's personality and trademark.

The evidence of their continued commitment to this model can be found in this morning's rumours on talkSPORT radio that the club are in talks to sign unheralded Argentine Claudio Yacob on a free transfer this summer.

As easy as it may be to admire this thoughtful approach to team building, it's also equally difficult to escape the feeling that this season presents special circumstances that demanded drastic action. The Gunners' top-four status is in serious jeopardy, and a marquee signing may have provided a vital lift.

But again, the issue is not so clear-cut as that.

Did Andrey Arshavin really prove to be the catalyst that maintained Arsenal's top-four place after he arrived in the winter of 2009? Or was it the return of then skipper Cesc Fabregas from a lengthy injury that proved to be the decisive factor?

Again, the answer is probably a healthy measure of both. Which is why Arsenal's decision to draw such a clear line between spending the appropriate money to add the necessary quality and sticking to a careful, developmental approach represents such a major gamble.

The Gunners are about to embark on a critical three-match stretch. The games are fast running out, and unless they can quickly and sufficiently reduce the gap between themselves and fourth place, Arsenal will miss out on the Champions League.

So, expect the consequences of Arsenal's decisions in this transfer window to quickly become apparent.