While some rival fans have been taking to social media sites to take the mickey out of Arsenal because of Arsene Wenger´s failure, or refusal, to spend any money on new outfield players in the summer transfer window, the prof has been doing a bit of trolling of his own.
Over the years as the man in charge of the Gunners, for better or worse, Wenger has developed a reputation, probably well warranted, of being partial to the signing of young and unheard of players, especially if they happen to be French. So you might have expected him to be impressed by the player signed by Manchester United on transfer deadline day.
Arsenal have made our fair share of last minute or `panic´ buys but at least the likes of Andre Santos and Kim Kallstrom did not cost us too much, other than our pride and dignity. Anthony Martial, however, appears to have cost United more than we paid Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez and a report in The Mirror makes it clear that Wenger does not think they have spent well.
He said, “What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I’ve heard.
“Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship – that sums it up well. That means it’s not the money that’s missing at the moment, it’s not the desire of investment that is missing, it’s the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.”
If you are not fluent in football manager speak, I will translate. He said that United have been taken to the cleaners and have signed a player who will make as little impact on their team as having a can of diet coke has on a 20 stone bloke.
Would we have wanted Wenger to sign Martial even if he was only around £10 million? No because he would not even get in the team.