Arsene Wenger Taking Biggest Gamble of His Career by Ruling out Transfer Spree

Arsene Wenger is set to take the biggest risk of his storied career after he ruled out a summer transfer splurge from the Gunners. Loosely translated, that means Wenger is set to once again keep faith with a squad of players that has largely shown itself to be fragile—both mentally and physically—when it counts.

It is a daring move since Arsenal compete against the riches of the two Manchester clubs. Attempting to overhaul those two squads with a group many believe is not strong or deep enough to claim the game's top prizes is a gamble Wenger can barely afford to take following seven barren years.

However, would adding four or five new stars make Arsenal any more likely to claim next season's EPL title? It's hard to immediately conclude that it would.

Continuity is an essential characteristic of title-winning teams. Championship runs are built on the platform of a core group of key players.

These vital squad members must be able to know each other's game and have a natural rapport on the pitch. That kind of connection only comes with time and experience.

Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott have demonstrated the benefits of this kind of bond at times this season. Mikel Arteta and Alex Song have interchanged well in midfield for the most part and will surely benefit from renewing their partnership next term.

Wenger has often spoke of the need for financial restraint, and there is some justification behind this view given what Arsenal spent last summer. The likes of Arteta, Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker and Gervinho cannot adequately be judged on this season alone.

If three out of the four become key players, then Arsenal have the basis of a trophy-winning squad already in place. Wenger is right to point out that the likes of Jack Wilshere can make a difference when healthy. As can youngsters like Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, both of whom have shown plenty of promise.

By adding Lukas Podolski, Wenger has already answered one of the team's biggest needs, namely the necessity from an alternative source of goals to van Persie. One more player is needed and Wenger must decide between a defensive or creative presence for the midfield.

Yet it is still wise to be wary of the perception that the names at Wenger's disposal mean the club has an embarrassment of riches. Sheer numbers do not mean an equivalent quantity of quality. 

Ultimately, though, Wenger's fidelity to financial austerity will be judged solely on whether or not fans and pundits are convinced by the talent level of this squad. Forgiveness will be in short supply if this squad repeats its familiar follies in the new season.