Indeed, his transfer business in the last two seasons very much have the look of a short-term emphasis about them, rather than the long-term planning that went into the recruitment of his previous side. Mikel Arteta was 29 when purchased last summer, Andre Santos was 28, Per Mertesacker may have only been 26 but had a wealth of experience behind him. Of this summer’s signings, both Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla were 27 while Olivier Giroud not far behind them at 25. These are not signings for the long term.
These are signings who have been brought in to hit the ground running, players who should be at the peak of their powers to bring in instant success rather than the potential of years gone by. With Wenger under pressure to end Arsenal’s trophy hoodoo before he leaves the club, do the signings of more experienced players represent simply an admission of previous mistakes, or do they in fact suggest that his long term future at the Emirates is in doubt?
That is not to suggest that Wenger has completely abandoned his youth-based philosophy, particularly with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remaining in around the first team but one cannot argue that Wenger appears to have changed philosophy. Even the promotion of Steve Bould as his new assistant, though necessitated by Pat Rice’s retirement, suggests that Wenger’s eyes are on the short term rather long, with Bould immediately improving a defence that had conceded 49 goals last season.
Of course, there are some Arsenal fans out there who would welcome the departure of Arsene Wenger after so many years of relative failure by his very high standards. Perhaps however, they should be careful what they wish for. It certainly is not a stretch to suggest that were Wenger to leave the Gunners tomorrow, he would have his choice of almost every club in world football. Not even the likes of Jose Mourinho can claim that.
Adam Mazrani
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.