Arsenal has been highly criticized recently, as the Gunners were the only team in Europe’s five major leagues not to sign an outfield player over the summer transfer window.
Supposedly in the market for a top-class striker, Arsenal was linked with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema throughout the summer. However, they never even put in a bid for the player, as goalkeeper Petr Cech remained the club’s lone summer signing.
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That has Paul Merson very upset, as the man who made nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal said the side needed some new faces after finishing third in the Premier League last season.
Merson, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports in the UK, slammed his former club for failing to make any deals over the summer, believing they will likely fall short in the league once again.The fans think ‘what are we coming for? We turn up every week, we pay the highest prices and what for? Top four? We might get a day out at Wembley again in the FA Cup.’ Wow-wee.
Just put in a bid for Benzema. £75m. If Real Madrid turn around and say ‘we’re not selling him’, you can’t argue with that. You’ve put in a bid and if they turn it down or the lad doesn’t want to come, that’s the way it goes. But show something.
There’s a saying in life: Keep on doing the things you do and you’ll get the same results. How different is this season going to be for Arsenal? It’s the same team that finished 12 points behind Chelsea last year. Why, this year, will this team finish above Chelsea?
I can tell you now, there will be a phase this season when they’ll be unbelievable, win seven on the trot and play the best football you’ve ever seen. But at the end of the season, with this team and no signings, I’d be absolutely shocked if they won the Premier League.
Arsenal’s lack of transfer activity will surely be a talking point if the team has a bad run of games during the year, especially if there are troubles scoring goals.
For now, Arsene Wenger will have to manage with the team he has, as many are already looking towards the January transfer window.