The one complaint every Arsenal supporter had with Arsene Wenger over the years is that there are no superstar signings. Of course, the lack of trophies that dried up over the recent past also frustrates the supporters. We’ll come to that later.
Back to the ‘lack of super stars’; whenever there is a chance to sign a proven star, Wenger gives it a pass. The North London side was so focused on nurturing young talent that they put the trophy ambitions on the back burner.
It is not that the company did not have money to invest; on the contrary, Arsenal has enough in the bank to give a run for the Chelseas of the world. It is only as a matter of principle that Wenger puts his hands in the pockets so long as he thinks it’s unreasonable.
However, things looked to change for the good as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez were brought to the club shelling out some real good transfer money. The club also received a boost on and off the pitch and are challenging for honors again.
And reports state that Arsenal is on the verge of signing the Chilean superstar Arturo Vidal. The question is not what the price is but if he is a real fit. Vidal will be contending with Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Based on last season form, Cazorla established at the heart of Arsenal’s defensive midfield duo.
Francis Coquelin looks like he’s established his future and would be difficult to displace. That leaves us with a choice to replace Ramsey or Wilshere with Vidal. Is that something the supporters would be looking forward to? Probably yes…probably not! The competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield is too fierce that leaving out any of these playmakers will be a waste of talent. No offense to Vidal – he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the continental football.
To be very frank, Arsenal must be looking for more suitable cover for Coquelin. This may sound insane for some of the supporters, who will be excited by investment; who will be excited by big name signings.
Investment is actually needed in other positions in the squad. There is room for a defender and more than that there is a need for a world class striker. The idea of another classy midfielder joining the ranks may not be really encouraging.
Big name signings are the order of the day but the investment should be at required positions and not on those that are already strong. So, what do you think of Vidal becoming a Gunner?
Sridhar