The situation: In August 2012 Arsenal agreed the sale of Robin Van Persie to Manchetser United. This signalled a low point in Arsenal’s transfer dealings and with a deflated atmosphere at the club bred a lack of success again that year. Not only this but the club and Arsène Wenger in particular were left humiliated as Manchester United and Van Persie went on to lift the title at the end of the season. An “unavoidable transfer”, Wenger would argue, but a catastrophic blow for the club nonetheless. Arsenal were not only being labelled “a selling club” but a club who were willing to sell key players to key rivals. Now, Arsenal fans have had time to digest the news and with an influx of new signings so far this summer, may even view this low point as vital in Arsenal’s turn in fortune and Arsène Wenger’s philosophy regarding transfers.
The decision: Arsène Wenger is a man who believes firmly in his philosophies and methods, arguably stubbornly sometimes sticking to them regardless of what others think. After the Van Persie saga many fans were calling for his head, Arsenal at this point lacked a true goal scorer and at the end of the 2012/2013 season still lacked a trophy since the FA Cup victory of 2005. That season symbolised the severe faults and outdated strategy being adopted by Wenger. That season also appears to have been a crucial turning point in his transfer philosophy too. A transitional period between Highbury and the Emirates being used as an excuse was no longer deemed acceptable. The finances of the club were extremely healthy considering the stadium change and again there was no excuse not to dip into the transfer kitty with the money Wenger had at his disposal. Deals like Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri can only be viewed as acceptable by fans if the money is reinvested in quality players. Something, it seems, that took Arsène Wenger a while to learn. The decision to part with a large sum of money for Özil last year resulted in a trophy. With even more money being spent this year already, Wenger will hope to reap the rewards of his new philosophy of actually spending the money the club has on players.
The verdict: Wenger, as all accomplished managers do, has learnt his lesson. Most encouragingly not resting on his laurels and rather than leaving it until deadline day, has already brought in 4 quality additions to the squad. Now the money has been spent Arsenal must rise to the occasion. The team as a whole looks as strong and promising as it has in recent years, which is breeding healthy competition for places in the starting lineup. The manager looks rejuvenated now Arsenal have finally won another trophy and the further additions that have been made also show intent to make such successes a more regular occurrence at the Emirates. Most significantly (and something which is rarely mentioned) no essential first team players have left the club, something which is highly important in the continuity of success in a squad. The Arsenal of 2012 may have been labelled “a selling club” but two years on and The Gunners have rebuilt and look as strong as ever. Long may the spending continue!
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