Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger's Defensive Comments Are Disconcerting

Arsenal's inaction on the transfer market this summer has led many fans and experts to criticize manager Arsene Wenger, sparking one defensive reaction after another from the long-time boss.

Wenger recently responded to the criticism of his club's transfer business, defending the club's bid for Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye and justifying the club's lack of transfers by sticking up for the players currently on the squad, according to Sky Sports:

"

There is nothing to explain. First of all, you don't know what we have done, you don't know if we did bid and you have come to a conclusion without knowing everything that has happened.

We don't want to hurt anybody, not Newcastle, not anybody. You can't reproach us on one side for not buying and yet on the other side when we try to buy to reproach us as well. That is a bit contradictory.

I would just like to reiterate to you that in the last 16 years we have been very successful with transfers - if you look at the players who play tomorrow, they are top quality players, and you should never forget that.

It is not always to think what is outside is better than what you have. What is important as well is to rate what you have and our fans have to understand that as well.

"

But while Wenger has no choice but to defend himself and his club, one can't help but to feel disconcerted in the wake of his most recent remarks.

The club has failed to make any notable additions this summer, and with less than two weeks remaining before the summer transfer window closes, the Gunners are running out of time to land their top targets. To make matters worse, Arsenal's first Premier League display this August was a dreadful one.

Wenger's "top quality players" were beaten 3-1 at home by Aston Villa. The loss was so embarrassing that he even issued an apology to the club's supporters shortly after. 

Wenger is correct when he points out that the Gunners have been in the mix in recent years, qualifying for Champions League football and contending for the Premier League crown year after year. But for a club that has won 13 English Premier League championships (only Manchester United and Liverpool have won more), is simply remaining competitive and finishing in the top four considered successful?

It's been nearly a decade since Arsenal last conquered England and almost as long since they last played for the Champions League crown.

Arsenal need positive results if Wenger is to build up credibility with the club's supporters. You can't say you possess "top quality players" if you're apologizing for pitiful displays on the pitch. 

Believing in and supporting the squad's current players is what a manager is supposed to do. Developing players and building or maintaining a powerhouse is what the job entails. But at some point the boss must show that he's determined to win by finding a way to bring the best talent aboard. 

Actions speak much louder than words, and until Wenger improves Arsenal with his actions, his words will continue to unsettle the club's supporters until they ultimately fall by the wayside. 

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