Transfer Window Closed: Was Another Quiet Arsenal Window Costly?

Another transfer window came and went, and Arsene Wenger did absolutely nothing. 

Was another quiet Arsenal window costly?

The obvious inclination would be in the affirmative.

However, I would like to disagree.

Arsenal are a club that build on strong foundations rather than bring in a quick fix. Coupled with the limited availability of quality players in the January transfer window, Arsene Wenger is astute in not investing in the transfer market.

In addition, there are a plethora of options during the summer transfer window, where Wenger might be able to snatch up the likes of Eden Hazard or Loic Remy.

Youth players of such calibre were simply unavailable during this transfer window. 

Defence

Several have suggested that the defence needs to be bolstered.

Perhaps the likes of Gary Cahill might have been a welcome addition, but having three quality options at centre-back is a surplus for any team.

People easily overlook that Arsenal have three quality centre-backs in Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen.

Koscielny has evolved into becoming a premier centre-back and has become one of the most dependable figures in Arsenal. He has been simply outstanding this season. 

And, although Mertesacker is taking some time adjusting, he has provided a wealth of experience and defensive solidity.

He was the captain of the Werder Bremen team and has a multitude of experience playing in the Champions League and the Europa League. He has indeed brought a sense of calmness in the dressing room. We can all agree that Arsenal functions more like a unit than before.

Furthermore, Bacary Sagna has been declared fit, and he has proven time and again to be one of the best right-backs in the world. He moves the ball well, wins aerial duels easily and is a fantastic holder of the ball. He also rarely suffers from lapses of concentration and can provide decent crosses when required. 

And with Vermaelen performing decently in the left-hand side, Arsenal has defensive solidity. 

For rotational purposes, Arsenal have the likes of Andre Santos, Johann Djourou, Kieren Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson and others. 

Midfield

Moving on to the midfield, Arsenal do have a phenomenal group of players operating in the center of the park.

In Alex Song, you have one of the best defensive midfielders in the league after Yaya Toure and Scott Parker.

Song routinely breaks offences up and provides a great cover for the back four. His runs are also exquisite, and he does pick up an assist here and there.

Furthermore, Mikel Arteta has been a quality signing—his crossing is immense, and he holds onto the ball beautifully. His set pieces are sublime. He has also brought maturity and experience to the Arsenal camp along with Mertesacker. 

Aaron Ramsey, despite being a bit wasteful at times, is quickly establishing himself as a great potential midfielder. His passing is precise, and his dribbling, too.

Of course, he does suffer from these occasional bouts of lapses in concentration and is not strong aerially, nor is a clinical finisher, but he does a superb job in midfield. And he will only improve with time.

Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has been a revelation, as we have witnessed in the handful of games he has played. Against Manchester United, he was simply stupendous. Such was his magnitude of influence that Wenger received boos from all around the ground when he was taken off.

Players like Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin also provide options for rotational policies, and Benayoun and Rosicky have been known to deliver on a constant basis.

Furthermore, you have players like Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby to be returning soon from injury. Abou Diaby is also a phenomenal player with great passing and dribbling skills. And although he is injury-stricken most of the time, perhaps this time the rehabilitation process might be better.

The biggest news, of course, is the return of Jack Wilshere, who is expected back by the end of February. Wilshere has already proven what a massive talent he really is. He was Arsenal’s player of the season, the PFA young player of the season, PFA team of the year. Need I go on?

Operating at blistering speed, we have both Gervinho and Theo Walcott. Gervinho has also proven to be a great signing, and his finishing and overall game will also improve under Wenger.

Gervinho cuts inside in a remarkable fashion, and his dribbling skills and passes are his key strengths.

And although Walcott can leave you frustrated on too many occasions, he has had a splendid season thus far. And he is only 22 years of age.  

Therefore, when you really think of it, Arsenal do have a great midfield with a variety of options and players of remarkable class.

Bringing in another senior, well-established player will only hurt the development of the likes of Ramsey and Wilshere. And even if investment was required, the summer window is the time to do it, not now.

Forwards

Perhaps the striker department might have needed bolstering, though.  

Although Arsenal have the greatest striker on Earth at this moment in Robin van Persie, the greatest fear that remains in the hearts of the Arsenal faithful is how long van Persie will last without succumbing to a debilitating injury.

Records have shown he is injury-prone. It’s already a remarkable feat that van Persie has gone all season without suffering a devastating blow, but injuries can happen anytime.

That’s where Arsenal needs a little reinforcement. Arsenal need an established backup striker. But how many established strikers were available during the January transfer window?

Wenger did manage to conduct some shrewd business and sign Thierry Henry on a loan deal to provide cover till Gervinho and Chamakh return.

And Arsenal do have Park Chu-Young, the captain of the South Korean team and a player with immense potential. 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Arsenal do have a great squad with several players available for rotation.

Perhaps one or two additions would not have hurt, but given the limited options in this window, coupled with the plethora of options that might be available in the summer transfer window, it’s an astute piece of business on behalf of Wenger not to purchase anyone. 

What do you think? Was another quiet transfer window costly? Leave your opinions! 

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