Arsenal FC: Arsene Wenger's Early Start on Transfers Bodes Well for the Future

For the last several summers, Arsenal fans have listened with hope as rumors swirled about high-level signings coming to Emirates. As the summer months passed, they were typically left with lesser known signings that seemed to take forever.

After all was said and done, the buildup was always greater than the end result. Not to take anything away from some of Arsene Wenger’s signings, but there was a definite gap in expectations and what the goods delivered.

This year is different. Instead of waiting to see how the summer transfer season would shake out, Wenger has identified who he wants and struck early. With last week’s announcement of the signature of Lukas Podolski and the reported agreement for the services of Yann M’Vila, Wenger has excited the fan base.

The early moves harbor several benefits for the Gunners.
  
These early signings prevented Arsenal from dealing with a bidding war for either player’s services. Both players had multiple suitors, many who have larger budgets for player transfers.

As the transfer season rolls along, prices tend to go up. If both players have a strong Euro competition, the price would have definitely risen.
   
Another benefit from these signings is the message it sends to other transfer targets, current players and the fan base. Adding two players of this caliber makes Arsenal a more desirable location for other transfer targets. It shows everyone that Arsenal are making moves to win now.

Both players are established talents, who can make an immediate impact instead of a potential impact after developing.   

The message to the current players is that Arsenal will be competing for silverware, so there is no need to look for that opportunity elsewhere. Convincing players like Robin van Persie to commit their future to the club is more important now than ever.

After watching players like Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leave last summer, the club needed to make moves like this in order to keep their best players in the fold.
   
Having these players in training from the beginning makes the transition into the team much easier. Last season’s signings at the transfer deadline took time to acclimate themselves into the squad. The team needs those several weeks together traveling to Asia and other destinations to develop the on-the-field understanding required to be strong from the start.
   
For the fans, this brings more excitement than the last few summers have given. With two key signings out of the way, Arsenal can focus on bringing in more defensive help, and wrapping up a new contract for Van Persie.

This is a great start to what could be a glorious summer for Gunner fans.