Transferring in....

Arsenal have confirmed the singing of former Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny. It seems like Wenger's rare foray into the transfer market is gathering steam with other news that the Gooners may sign Felipe Melo from Juventus (a year too late) and Mesut Ozil, the young playmaker of the recently unsuccessful German World Cup side. In addition, Loic Remy and Mark Schwartzer have also been linked to Arsenal as Wenger (finally) addresses the issues of the sticks keeper and adds more potency to attack. It is commendable that Wenger has faith in his players, a true man-manager, however sometimes this can be slightly misguided and let you down. Need I go on?

While all this makes for interesting reading, it remains to be seen whether these players manage to breach the pearly gates of The Emirates, however I am more than confident the Professor will bolster the squad before August 14th, despite overtures from Barcelona for the wizard Cesc and Juventus for Cliche.


Photo courtesy of http://arsenalaction.com/


As many Gooners will be starkly aware, Arsenal seem to have a tendency to let the revolving door of transfers let more out than in, with Koscielny replacing Gallas, Silvestre and (potentially) Campbell, 3 into 1 doesn't exactly go despite their advancing years and temperament. However, we remember the impact Vermaelen had on our season so another in that mould will certainly not go amiss. In addition, the forgotten man in Keiran Gibbs will certainly be staking his claim for the left full-back position even if Cliche (with his annoying ability to run 70 yards then sky a wasted shot instead of provide for the better finishers of the team) does depart to Italy.

In addition, Marouane Chamakh has been drafted in to add more fire power to the Arsenal attack, continuing Wenger's philosophy that attack is indeed the best form of defense - apart from set pieces.
Wenger has demonstrated his talent at creating potent attacking line-ups, who play intricate football and score some truly breath taking goals. However, the centre-back position has always alluded Wenger, who, until Vermaelen of course, chose either extreme youth or slow experience. The golden age of Adams, Winterburn, Dixon and Keown hasn't really been re-created of late, with defenders such as Djourou, Senderos (now at Everton) or Campbell (Warhorse) and Silvestre either accident prone or a general liability at the back. Although it pains me to say it, they ain't no Terry, Evra or Vidic.


Photo courtesy of http://gunnersrunin.wordpress.com/

Before you curse me too much, it is clear that if Arsenal had one or two centre-backs of the quality of Adams or Keown covering the goalkeeper, the goal difference would have been a great deal more in our favor and thus, more success on the pitch would have come. But then thats the beauty of hindsight.
I am a believer in Arsene, the balancing act he has managed to pull off with players and finances has been miraculous, nay masterful. A few misguided individuals (most famously Pen*s Morgan, the non-entity and Simon Cowell butt scratcher) have called for Wengers head for the lack of trophies, however I would rather see a successful business which still competes rather than a bankrupt club with meaningless awards - Man Utd and Liverpool.....

But thats a debate for another day.