Anyone connected with Arsenal shares the same desire, to see the Gunners win the Premier League title once again for the first time since the incredible Invincibles achieved what many thought was not possible back in 2004, but we do not all agree on the best way to do it.
Whether this season is the one that sees Arsene Wenger and the players get their hands on the coveted trophy again remains to be seen, but I think it is safe to say that we are looking stronger than ever at the moment and are back in the title race and are serious contenders to be crowned champions of England.
That may not be the case for long according to one former Gunner and club legend, as The Mirror reports that David Seaman has warned Arsene Wenger about the dangers of losing the two star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. With both approaching the final year of their current deals with Arsenal, talks about signing extensions are ongoing and going by the Arsenal transfer rumours in the football media it is the wages of the two that are the main bone of contention.
Seaman clearly feels that the boss needs to get this sorted and if that means paying over the odds or breaking the club´s wage structure he has to do it or face the prospect of losing our ability to challenge for the EPL crown. The former keeper and legend said, “To win the title Arsenal have got to keep their best players.
“We used to do that. When big clubs came calling for Thierry Henry or Patrick Vieira, we always managed to send them packing.
“But then the club went through a phase of selling them, although maybe that was partly because finances forced our hand.
“Now they are in a situation where they have a great chance of winning the Premier League for the first time in 13 years and they don’t need to sell.
“The Emirates stadium is paid for, the bank manager is happy, so if it means paying Sanchez and Ozil what they are worth – or perhaps even a little bit more – just do it.
“If Arsenal lost Sanchez now, they would have to spend a colossal amount of money, maybe £50-60 million, to bring in a replacement of his quality.
“Why not just go the extra mile to keep him and Ozil at Arsenal? They are special players, and it’s special players who make the difference between winning the major trophies and coming close.
“People talk about breaking the wage structure and upsetting the applecart, but in the dressing room nobody will complain if the club accommodates a couple of higher earners who are in that ‘special’ bracket and they deliver the title.
“Arsene must make sure that if either of them leaves – and all the supporters hope it doesn’t come down to this – it must not be for financial reasons.
“I’m all for good housekeeping, but sometimes in football you’ve got to push the boat out a bit further. You have to stay ambitious.”
So there are very few Arsenal fans that would disagree with that statement, but obviously we need Ozil and Alexis need to have the belief that we really can challenge for the title. Is Seaman right? Should we pay them whatever they ask for, and buy maybe one more superstar to prove we are serious about being about being one of the biggest clubs in the world?
Or will Wenger not see things the same way, or will he be prudent and go for the cheaper option?
Bob.