Arsenal: FC or PLC?

Arsenal's season is ending on a sour note—from Premier League contenders to Champions League qualifiers, and that could be the stark reality if a Carlos Tevez inspired Manchester City manage to beat Bolton on the last day of the season.

This is Arsenal FC's worst home record in 14 years, and the management decided to increase the ticket prices by six percent, which, of course, wouldn't go down very well with most fans. The Emirates is already the most expensive venue to watch a football match in Europe, and that surely isn't what you call repaying loyalty.

The hike will generate an estimated £4.5 million in revenue and the club posted record pre-tax profits of £56 million in the annual account sheet. A number of Arsenal players aren't happy at the club and if Arsenal are to sell Cesc Fabregas in the summer, that would be another £40-45 million in the kitty.

The question is: Would Arsene Wenger spend that money?

Arsene Wenger has been successful at breeding youngsters into good footballers. Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere are prime examples. He has a knack of spotting talent. But is it time that he shuns his theories and starts to buy good quality players? Breeding talent is good, but mixing it with some quality purchasing would be better.

Sixteen Arsenal youngsters are currently out on loan gaining "valuable first-team experience". How many of these players would make the Arsenal first team squad? Does he need more 16-year-olds? Of-course buying quality in Europe won't be cheap but with isn't that the need of the hour? Top class center-backs? Proven goalscorers like Falcao or Kun Aguero?  

Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea have shown intent of buying big next season. Liverpool, under Kenny Dalglish, is shaping up the right way and Manchester United might be the aging tiger, but they've got talent and a bank balance to be there at the top next season. Would a couple of changes for Arsenal be enough? Is the Champions League spot being taken for granted?

The biggest question is, is the management happy with Arsene Wenger as long as he makes a profit for the club? Lets just be honest, for any big club like Arsenal, six seasons without a trophy would certainly mean the end of the road for the manager, but that doesn't seem to be the case at the Emirates.

In my opinion, this really could be the do-or-die season for Arsene Wenger. Patience would have to run out sometime, and unless contrasting changes are made, I can see history repeating itself year after year.