For Arsenal fans of a certain age, Arsene Wenger’s statement earlier this summer that he was only interested in signing “super super class players” will have had a familiar ring. In the mid 90s we got used to George Graham saying that he was only interested in “quality players, but none are available”, before he instead went and signed another centre half. As we subsequently found out, this had tended to mean the likes of Kerry Dixon or Tony Cottee who, fortunately, turned their noses up at the Arsenal wage structure at the time.

Arsene has subsequently explained why he has changed tack in his signings, Eduardo and Sagna following the departure of Henry (Fabianski and Nordveidt were already lined up), but I believe the basic similarity remains true. He had already decided that he is going to do it his way, building on the potential of his current squad and anything else is a smokescreen. The directors of the club are not going to risk losing him by restricting his transfer funds. They know how much the club rests on him and are aware of the other suitors that are hovering. They are fortunate, however, in his single-minded desire to do it his way without splashing the cash. In releasing Ljungberg, who had become an expensive squad player, you could almost say that he was seeing how far he can push his aim to win with a new generation (though, ever accommodating, it is also likely that he just took sympathy on Ljungberg’s wish not to be just a squad player).

He may surprise us again, as with Eduardo, by signing another player (a proper winger would be good), but it is unlikely to be a “big name” unless they are under 23 and there are not many of those at an affordable price. Given recent comments and his desire to allow room for the up and coming players, I would not be surprised if he did not bring anyone else in (even if Gallas doesn’t like it).

George Graham should not be denigrated as he lifted the club out of a moribund period and made us a top club again. Again he had a dogged determination to do it his way which caused frustration amongst fans hankering for big signings. The concern was that, by the mid 90s he had lost his way or the game had developed beyond his strategies, based as they were on a defensive system. He was never really one for developing talent and had inherited the talented youth players (Adams, Rocastle, Thomas) bolstered by some astute signings (Dixon, Winterburn, Seaman, Smith and Wright). Latterly, this skill deserted him with the youth inferior (Selley, Morrow, Hillier) and the signings sub standard (McGoldrick, Kiwomya, Helder).

As we know, Arsene Wenger has that ability to uncover and develop world class talent whilst the youth team under Liam Brady looks promising. But has the game moved on again, with a squad of senior internationals required to cope with the demands of Champions League, Premiership and the domestic cups? The squad does look thinner than previous years and we will need better luck with injuries

Admirable single-mindedness or destructive stubbornness? I guess we are shortly to find out.