Arsene Knows—Why Wenger Is Never Hasty in The Market

The transfer window came and went so quickly that it feels as if it never happened.

As usual, the Gunners kept their noise down and completed a couple of discreet and low key signings in Aaron Ramsey and Amaury Bischoff, a much delayed signing of the talented Frenchman Samir Nasri, and one shock signing in Mikael Silvestre.

Whilst Wenger refused to give anything away, some could have guessed that the door for new players to the Emirates was already shut when Wenger saw his team cruise past F.C. Twente and Newcastle.

Trust me when I say that I am disappointed as an Arsenal fan after seeing Wenger refuse to further strengthen the team, but this disappointment only strengthens my respect towards the man himself.

This is because I found a way to actually understand and agree with his policy.

The word was spread that Wenger had 30 million pounds in his safe for reinforcements, and critics poured in straight after, questioning Wenger's stubbornness and ignorance.

The answer is because the odds for a 30 million pounds gamble turning out to be a beneficial success was not good enough for Wenger.

Here is the reason why.

Gunners fans were hoping for an established holding midfielder to arrive, and names such as Gokhan Inler, Xabi Alonso, and Gareth Barry were reportedly on the top of Arsene's list. But I think none of the three ever came close to signing for the Gunners.

Wenger has reiterated over and over again about his policy in signing players; firstly, he will not go for anything over the 15 million mark, even if he is super-natural it seems.

Second criteria is that the player must have the ability to slot right into the team, understand the team's ethics and play in the club's philosophy.

Thirdly, Wenger wants a player who can gel with the rest of the lads, on and off the field.

None of the three players mentioned had that ability, not in my opinion anyway. None of them were worth the gamble.

Lets just say if Wenger did buy a 30 million pounds midfielder to partner the most talented midfielder on earth (yes, that's Fabregas), and this club record signing failed to adapt and play consistently to justify his price—what would be the fans' reaction towards Wenger?

How many Premiership managers have been sacked because of crazy, over-priced signings? Wenger obviously is not as stupid as them.

Another risk of signing a new player is the risk of undermining the growth of the young players. I think Denilson will not be able to shine this season, not consistently anyway, but I do believe he will be a great player, better than Gilberto at the very least.

Diaby too, will be a very good player since he has all the ingredients, just lacking consistency. The same goes for Ramsey, Alex Song and perhaps Bischoff too.

However, if Wenger does bring an established player, this player will want to play every week, and I am pretty sure if Wenger is prepared to spend that much on him, he will play.

Yet, the point is that you can only field 11 players and with a new midfielder, the youngsters will be restricted in terms of playing time. They will also start questioning their own ability and perhaps wants to leave. I do not want to see any of these players leave, but in the world of football now, footballers requesting a transfer is as simple as beating Philippe Senderos one-on-one.

Not many will understand what the youngsters at the Gunners have built. They have developed a strong understanding for each other, as professional as they are, they play as friends too. They all enjoy playing football together, they all get on well. They want to work hard for each other and win something together rather than individually. 

Any big, risky signings are only going to disturb the rhythm of the development.

If there is a player who is suitable for the Gunners and is under the criteria set by the boss, then please, come in. But just how many are there? Name one (realistic) player who you think will definitely succeed at Arsenal, and you will be surprised by the amount of people who will disagree with you!

If Wenger does fail with his policy at the end, then yes, criticism should be accepted. But if he changes his philosophy and principles, and starts to lose confidence in himself now, then I am sorry, he is not the man to manage the famous Red & White.

Arsene-knows...