Arsenal’s Transfer window Conclusions by Dan Smith
Stan Kroenke would have known for a while that this summer there was the possibility he would be buying the rest of Arsenal’s shares, making this the ideal time to finally prove his ambition, something he hasn’t done since coming to us.
Many gooners thought news of his impending acquisition purposely happened this week, so he could (for PR reasons) deliver a big name, namely Dembele on loan. It proved to be a wishful thinking, as the clock hit 5-00 pm Thursday I had that anti climax feeling.
We didn’t even replace Chambers, making his loan pointless and perhaps Unai Emery’s first oversight. That’s not knocking our recruitment team who have been rightly praised for doing buisness early, with most deals arranged before the World Cup. They have their remit and clearly the criteria was to find value over quality. I will back anyone who puts on the shirt but I refuse to believe our Board believe that approx 60 million is enough to close a 39 point gap to City.
In my opinion gooners are cheering change for the sake of change. If Arsene Wenger had brought talent most, if honest, haven’t seen play, they would have hammered him.
Let’s forget Man City and focus on Liverpool as they finished 4th, our minimumn target. Compare the two American owners. The Henrys asked Klopp ‘what does he need to compete’ and brought him one of the best defenders and keepers available. Whether you think they are worth the money is missing the point. It’s the Henrys showing their employees and fan base they are serious about being champions.
In contrast look how we have tried to fix our defensive flaws. Everton and Leicester have signed better centre backs than us. Don’t let use us not being in the Champions League as an excuse. We were being run in this manner even when we were in that competition. Even without first class European nights, Arsenal are richer then Liverpool, Kroenke richer then Henry. With the TV deal, sponsorships, ticket prices, shirt sales, etc, we could be doing a lot more.
Like 12 months ago, we kick off the new campaign with two men being allowed to run down their contracts , while the priority this week has been recouping money. Perez has joined Wilshire at West Ham while Ospina is exspected to go to Turkey. This will carry on till the 31st with Campbell likely to go abroad while a few youngsters might benefit with a loan switch.
Welbeck won’t be offerd a new deal but should stay as we have no other back up to our strikers. I still wouldn’t rule out Barcelona calling our bluff over Ramsey at the last moment. In a months time, net spend will be less then 40 million, the wage bill is smaller and the manager’s salary has decreased.
Go see how how much money we make and tell me Stan Kroenke couldn’t do more?
Dan Smith