At one time, Arsene Wenger’s job at Arsenal seemed as safe as the Bank of England, but in the last few months there have been whispered murmurings of displeasure among the Emirates faithful. The lack of trophies in recent years has always been offset by the quality of the football and the future potential of an up and coming side. However, a growing number of Gooners are beginning to wonder whether a change at the helm might bring some much-needed success.
The fact is that players can only remain promising for so long before they have to begin delivering silverware. While Arsenal’s youngsters are obviously schooled in the way to play the game with style and panache, sooner or later they are going to have to deliver a tin cup or two for their efforts.
In recent times, some Arsenal fans have even started to think the unthinkable – has Arsene Wenger taken the club as far as it can go? With another failed title challenge this question, although arousing much passion, is a legitimate one.
The lack of trophies in recent years has become something of a millstone around the club’s neck, but it’s perhaps Wenger’s recent inactivity in the transfer market which is most frustrating. Throwing his money around like a man with no arms, the club spend less during transfer windows than most of the other teams in the Premier League, sparking immense frustration among the fans.
Stories coming out of the ivory tower indicate that Wenger had made large bids for the likes of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill in the last year, but failed to get the individuals to put pen to paper. Arsenal have a commendable policy of saying nothing to the media about transfer targets, but this doesn’t help to quell the dissatisfaction of supporters.
As the end of the season approaches, speculation grows about Arsenal’s targets. If every story were to be believed, the club will need to invest in a larger team bus, because they are apparently buying around a hundred new players in the coming months.
With the possible loss of playmaker Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, the emergence of Jack Wilshere, and the return of Aaron Ramsey for that matter, couldn’t have come at a better time. Central midfield may not be a problem area for Arsenal now, even if they lose their club captain to the Catalan giants and that speaks of good strength in depth.
Ask most supporters about the club’s most pressing needs, and the majority will agree that a new goalkeeper and a central defender are crucial. Perfectly understandable responses, of course, but many others believe the acquisition of a goal-obsessed striker is more important.
Robin van Persie is an excellent player, but his regular injuries leave the team bereft of goals. Marouane Chamakh doesn’t seem consistent enough, and Nicklas Bendtner is perhaps not as effective as he would have the Premier League believe. Arsene Wenger needs to find a genuine goalscorer, one who couldn’t care less if he scores from the halfway line or from six inches out, as long as he gets his name on the scoresheet.
Come the summer, irrespective of whether Arsenal win the Premier League or not, Wenger needs to do something to reassure the fans. A complete rebuild isn’t necessary, just a little tinkering. The addition of three players in crucial areas will do plenty to quell the unrest. Everyone connected with Arsenal Football Club will do well to bear in mind that Manchester United and Chelsea, and Manchester City too, won’t be as inconsistent next season as they have been this time around.
