Summer after summer there is a feeling of inevitability in the air at Arsenal as they dither about in the transfer market whilst rivals strengthen.
July 2015 has been much of the same for frustrated Gunners, and hours trawling through gossip pages for the slightest glimmer of hope has reaped little reward thus far. Having, very briefly, looked like pushing Chelsea close last season, Arsenal have the platform to challenge if they acted quickly and intelligently in the market, but they haven’t.
Again the Wenger transfer policy is looking flimsy and, even with so long left in the window, the squad is going to be short of time to gel before the new season. The needs of the overall unit continue to be as glaring as Jack Wilshere’s injury record, but Francis Coquelin’s emergence is looking to be a false dawn in terms of defensive midfield prowess at the Emirates Stadium.
The brilliant performances of Coquelin have been great for Wenger, but it appears they have been an excuse to pull out of any Schneiderlin deal. Schneiderlin looked the perfect fit for Arsenal and him at the base of their midfield would provided formidable protection. As it stands, Arsenal are a Coquelin injury away from Mathieu Flamini with the ex-Southampton man over with rivals, Man United.
It is possible that this article is a tad hasty and Arsenal could go on to sign a defensive midfield player, but the decision not to go in for Schneiderlin is a worrying sign of what might be to come.
A striker continues to be an issue, too. Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck are all viable options to cover for Olivier Giroud, but Arsenal are considerably short of a natural centre-forward in comparison to their rivals. The Londoners’ need for signings is becoming more imperative the more their rivals strengthen and ideally they will set up with Walcott and Sanchez as recognised wingers and another forward in the ranks. Their biggest issue with this area of the pitch currently is that an injury to Giroud will force a re-shuffle.
A marquee name might be wanted by the fans, but the Petr Cech addition is likely to be as good as it gets in that regard. Arsenal, yet again, are two or three good signings away from being serious title challengers, but dithering is likely to leave them settling into fourth spot once more.
Chelsea may be yet to add much to their squad, but Arsenal are miles behind the reigning champions and whilst Manchester United continue to splash the cash they are being left behind by the pack further still. Louis van Gaal is showing a ruthless approach in the market and continues to address issues in the squad, whilst Wenger has failed to do so for years.
Getting business done early almost always makes sense in the summer window. The longer time training together and time for the player to get settled has a significant impact on their first few months and Arsenal can perhaps consider themselves fortunate that Liverpool still look a distance away from challenging them for the top four.
