Keep Arsenal As Is: Why the Gunners Should Play it Cool During Transfer Window

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has stated publicly that there is no need for the Gunners to seek out reinforcements during the brief January transfer window, a period that will see Arsenal lose Kolo Toure and Manu Eboue, two key first choice players, to the African Nations Cup. 

At this point in the season, contrary to every modern instinct that demands instant gratification, I am compelled to agree with the Professor.

Because, simply put: this Arsenal squad won’t be judged by their exploits this season, but their legacy for the following five to seven years.

Yes, I’m aware that it has been four years since Arsenal hoisted the premiership trophy, and three years since any trophy of merit has found its way to the Emirates stadium. 

But unconventional foresight has been the cornerstone of Arsene Wenger’s CV since his arrival at the red end of North London.  This is not to say that another trophy-less season is in the cards, but rather that it should be viewed as the final building process of what will be one of football histories great teams.

Few people will remember the 3-2 loss to Leeds United in May 2003—that defeat effectively lost the Gunners the title. 

However that loss propelled them to the memorable undefeated season of 03-04.  “The departure of Patrick Vieira would bring unimaginable damage to Arsenal,” they said—but the following season saw the Gunners’ record breaking run to the Champions League final.

It’s barely six months since the departure of King T.H. Quatorze, the unofficial end of the Gunners as a viable footballing entity.

An “end” that sees Arsenal on top of premiership table, easily qualifying for the champions league knockout stages, and the toast of Europe for providing to us football’s equivalent to zydeco. 

If my “ends” brought about such results, I’d be dating Ms. Australia yester-year, but that’s beside the point.  The point is that championship teams aren’t coddled into prominence.  They fight through adversity as a collective unit, and demand their place at the epicenter of the footballing landscape. 

Bringing in a central defender such as Vincent Kompany, or one of the 56 strikers that Arsenal are being linked with, will do nothing but disrupt a long-term plan that promises a bounty of trophies that even Jack Sparrow would be envious of. 

These past two weeks have shown a glaring weakness in the Arsenal clog in the event of injuries.  The loss of the wetware Cesc Fabregas and the enigmatic Alex Hleb has revealed a surprising lack of creativity in the Gunners' midfield. 

Enter Wenger’s foresight: the prof is addressing this with the exploration of Congo international Tresor Mputu, a player in the creative, free scoring mold of Robert Pires (exit Theo Walcott: a player with the footballing accument of a seagull).

If history is to be our guide, addition by subtraction has brought tremendous rewards to the Arsenal’s supporters.  Lets not let the greed and momentary hedonism get in the way of the tried and true blue print of long-term success.