Arsene Wenger's Handling of Transfers and His Intent Heading into the New Season

In what can only be described as Arsenal’s most important summer under Arsene Wenger, what kind of message does the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain send to those desperate to see experienced reinforcements?

Never before under the watch of Wenger have Arsenal fans been so disillusioned at the lack of transfer activity. They’ve been promised a busy summer by CEO Ivan Gazidis as well as from Wenger, but are yet to see the kind of acquisitions that would allow this current Arsenal team to recover from its post-Carling Cup final hangover.

What has been seen, however, is a very confusing act played out by the club’s hierarchy in response to the demands of players and the actions of other clubs desperate to lure away the club’s key players.

More than ever, the Arsenal supporters have been crying out for a few quality signings who can bring some experience to the table as well. It wouldn't just be a signal of intent, but rather these signings would ideally steady the ship and give the rest of the squad a morale boost ahead of the start of the season.

As of yet, we’re still waiting for Arsene Wenger to take control of the current situation surrounding the club and give supporters a little bit of confidence going forward.

It would be unfair to label Gervinho as a failure in the transfer market, or even a target who was initially considered to be a second or third choice, as he will provide the necessary quality to make the team better. He knows where the goal is, can deputise or rotate with Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott and most importantly brings some title-winning experience into the squad following his double-winning season with Lille.

Flanking him, however, are two more signings acquired for the future. Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are your typical Arsene Wenger signings. Both are young players brought in early to be taught Wenger's way of playing football, and both are a considerable number of years away from having a big impact at the club.

The worry from Arsenal fans come from Wenger’s desire to spend money in the quoted £12million region for Chamberlain—an extremely raw and inexperienced talent—but little to no willingness to spend that little bit extra on established quality to help the club forward in the immediate future.

With the reports and rumors of Joel Campbell looking to complete a move to the Emirates in the coming week, you’d have to ask what kind of intent and ambition Wenger is showing to both the fans and his counterparts at the clubs challenging for the title.

The transfer window has still a little way to go before it shuts on September 1st and Wenger has attempted to reassure fans there would be further additions this week. But this has so far been a very difficult summer for fans looking to the manager for a change of policy, a more aggressive stance in the transfer market and, most importantly, the wrapping up of deals for Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.