Ivan Gazidis has assembled a great new management team at Arsenal and has brought in Unai Emery as the new Messiah to lead us back to the promised land of the Top Four, but is the arrival of a promising young defensive midfielder and a couple of veteran defenders going to be enough to challenge the Big Guns this coming season?
According to the former Arsenal striker John Hartson thinks that unless we actually try to bring in proven stars the Gunners are still going to found wanting. Hartson said: “Arsenal fans are going to have to be patient for a couple of seasons, not demanding such success because I believe they’re still way behind in the market for the best players in the world, I really do.
“I think I share a lot of opinions even with their own fans.
“But they’ve appointed Emery, he’s got a very impressive CV behind him in terms of the Europa League.
“I think they need to be a bit patient with him and I believe in time he’s got the capabilities if he’s given the funds to add to the group they’ve got.
“But they’re still a long way from signing the best players in the world, as when they come up, when the best players in the world become available, they’re never in for them. They’re never in for them.
“Why aren’t they in for Hazard? Why aren’t they in for Willian? Why aren’t they in for these big players that would probably cost £80m? I don’t think they’re prepared to go there.”
“I still think they need to spend. I don’t think they’re anywhere near the quality of a Liverpool or a Man City.
“What are Arsenal playing for, are they playing for a top-four place and a cup run? They can’t win the league with this team.
“I just think you look at Chelsea who have got a few issues, you look at their top three players – are they going to be at the club?
“[Thibaut] Courtois, Hazard and Willian – all linked with big moves away. It’s huge for the new Chelsea manager to deal with before his team even kick a ball.
“You’ve got Liverpool, look how strong they are with their front three.
“For me, Liverpool and Man City, Man Utd, they’re not going to be happy with finishing second, [Jose] Mourinho’s going to go again.
“So, I still think Arsenal are in a bit of a transition. I think it’s going to take a bit of time for Emery to put his stamp on the club.”
There is a great feeling of optimism amongst Gooners in the hope that Emery can at least get our team fighting for every point, but can we really challenge for the Top Four if our rivals are buying all the proven top quality players that become available?
Darren N