Pradeep Kachhala
(Ed’s note – This piece was submitted before the weekend)
As I write, the Cesc deal is going through and so, it seems, is Nasri's move to Man City. Part of me wants to breathe a sigh of relief, as there is an upside to this for three reasons: first, the high fees involved, and, although of course Arsenal do not require £57m (£35m for Cesc and £22Mn for Nasri), they will allow us to put substantial investment in rebalancing the squad over the next few days, not to mention receiving £22m for a player with one year left on his contract. Second, we are selling players who no longer want to be at our great club, and, whatever has or has not occurred this summer, this is Arsenal football club and it is a privilege, not a duty, to play for us. While Cesc's move is understandable, it seems that Nasri, like Adebayor and others before him, has joined the "next big thing" bandwagon. Finally, these are players who have won nothing with the club; by removing those synonymous with failure, perhaps we can move on...
Wenger's project of putting Cesc at the fulcrum of his team has been a failure. Yes, there were great nights: away at Milan in the Champions League springs to mind immediately, but six trophy-less years tell their own story. Of course, Wenger failed to surround Cesc with more capable players, especially in defence, but I would see the Cesc era now almost as a transitional period: moving to the Emirates from Highbury was a financial strain from which the club has emerged. During this phase, Fabregas, Nasri and even Clichy kept us competitive but would always fall short of sustaining the distance. Let us also not forget Fabregas' injury record and those decidedly dodgy hamstrings – perhaps, as Ferguson once pointed out, the warmer Spanish climate will help cure such ailments. However, while Cesc was a great servant to this club and always gave his best for the team and fans, the length and process of this saga has left just a little sour taste in the mouth.
It is another tale of captains of this great club departing, and the record since Tony Adams has been embarrassing. Vieira, Henry, Gallas and Fabregas have all departed within three seasons of leading out the team. One can argue that the role of captain in a football match is not akin to that in other sports such as cricket, but there can be no doubt that the captain is seen as the embodiment of the club, both on the pitch and to fellow club players. It seems that Robin Van Persie is next in line, and please don't call me a cynic to suggest that his name will join the list above when the likes of Real Madrid and Barça come calling next summer.
So who do we purchase with the funds received from our player transactions? This is not an article where I suggest targets via browsing through second-rate gossip columns. However, consider the following: for the past two seasons, we have had between £50m and £60m at our disposal. Added to all of our summer sales this season, the number may stand at close to £120m at least. UK Inflation is now estimated to be at 5%, with no immediate sign of receding. This means that proceeds kept from player sales left in cash will have an eroded purchasing power, or, to put it another way, it will be gradually worth less. Now, also evaluate the rise in transfer fees over the past two seasons exasperated by Chelsea and, to a greater extent, Manchester City: the £60m held on deposit will have less value in the transfer market the more such Petrodollar teams spend excessive amounts on players, which in turn inflates the market further. So, spending the money now rather than waiting must be the only option, especially if we are to remain competitive.
There is much to be happy about though! I have said repeatedly that I am convinced AFC will purchase players before August 31st. I sincerely believe the club knows the feeling amongst fans, and additions to the squad will be made. However, we are now in a position to build our midfield around two of the most promising players in England, Wilshere and Ramsey. While once again we are putting our hopes in the potential of youth, they remain our best hope. Put your faith in them and the next step forward in the history of this club. If you need further things to be happy about, consider the following: no more Almunia, Eboué, Clichy, Bendtner or Denilson!
Did anyone else chuckle during the Charity Shield last week, when - once again - Clichy failed to deal with a bouncing ball. I always felt this was a major weakness in his game and, while De Jong took the blame, watch the goal again and see how our former left-back actually runs away from the ball rather than deal with it. Mark my words: Clichy will not be a first-team regular at City next season and, come summer 2012, he may regret his move, even if Arsenal fans will certainly not!
I am thinking of suggesting Arsène change his name to Arsène Winger. How many wingers do we actually have at the club now following the purchase of Chamberlain. Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott, Vela, Miyachi (who now has a work permit), Gervinho and Chamberlain? Seven wingers (not counting Nasri)! It is slightly ridiculous, and points to the obvious lack of balance within our squad...seven wingers and, at the moment, barely one competent central defender. I can understand the apathy amongst fans after the signing of Chamberlain. Why pay almost £15m (based on appearances etc) for a Division Three talent in an area where we have a glut of players, but still haggle for central defenders whoever they may be? Chamberlain may well become an Arsenal legend, and, based upon my limited YouTube viewing of him, he certainly has some talent, but you will forgive me if I question whether the money could have been better spent.
Anybody been watching the Sky Sports best 20 games over the last 20 years? It features a number of great Arsenal moments (and some not-so-great, like Fowler's 4.33 hat-trick or the 4-4 vs. Spurs). I actually become quite sad looking at the likes of Pires, Vieira and Henry. It just reminds me of how great we were, especially at Highbury, where the fans literally breathed down opposition necks. It’s one of the things that we failed to replicate when building the Emirates, as it was truly a unique atmosphere. Game 20 features a certain Brian Clough, a genius in his day who played great football but who then slowly but surely declined and became a wee bit mad. Remind you of anyone?
David Dein was in the papers last week, speaking of unfinished business. David, your role when you worked with Wenger, and the way you steered the transfer market, have been greatly missed. While it is not the dominant factor in our recent decline, his exit surely must be considered as a reason, however small.
So, Newcastle away on Saturday and a chance to extinguish some bad memories from last season. They are a team who have lost a number of players but the first day can be very unpredictable. A win is vital, considering how tough August is for us. Will we be regretting our slip to fourth spot last season? Put short, by next Tuesday - if all does not go well - the fans may start to turn on the club, especially if signings are still not in sight.
Where do you think we will finish this season? As our current squad stands - i.e. no more signings, and with Nasri and Cesc departing, I believe we will struggle for fifth. While the future is Ramsey and Wilshere, they lack experience to bring success in the short term, while an inevitable injury to RVP, Vermaelen or even Sagna and Song, and we may struggle. The next few days will be crucial: I really hope that next week's post is on the whole more positive than negative, as AFC lies at a crossroads - become a breeding ground for young players who will move on, or rebuild and challenge once more. Wenger, Gazidis, Kroenke, over to you, sirs!
