Sorry Arsene, it's too late!

"Spend, spend spend!" That was the cry from the Arsenal faithful last Saturday. The Gooners, went into their Premier League campaign without a single signing. Having just scraped top four last season, you can understand their anger. The top three clubs had all changed manager, and the fans believed with Arsene Wenger's stability, they could sign a few players, and push on. If you don't add to your squad, whether it be a marque player, or to add strength in depth, you get left behind. It's essential to evolve as a club, this is exactly what isn't happening at Arsenal. For eight years, they've gone without a trophy, and in recent years, they've been getting that final Champions League spot by the sheer width of a goalpost. It was one point last season, after a nervy battle at St James' Park on the last day of the season.

I watched the Villa game at the Emirates, and Arsenal were totally overrun in midfield. They played three in the middle, Wilshere, Ramsey and Rosicky. For a start these players are too similar, it's like playing with three centre backs.What happened to the likes of Petit and Vieira. They would power their way through the middle of the park. Villa knew that if they got at Arsenal and put them under pressure, they could take control of the match. A lot of you argue Arsenal were unlucky to concede two penalties, and go down to ten men. The truth is, Villa got into those situations, by taking control of the midfield. Arsenal became a real mess at the back because they couldn't deal with the counter attacks. Being on the back foot and making rash decisions, was ultimately the cause of Arsenal's problems. Don't blame the ref or Aston Villa.

Two days later, Arsene Wenger made a £10 million bid for Yohan Cabaye. This looks like a manager in panic mode. If he really rated Cabaye, why not put in a bid for him at the start of July? You don't wait until you've been turned over in the Premier League. Lets be realistic here, Arsenal needed to make about four or five signings this summer to advance as a club. We're talking key players, not teenagers or going backwards, by bringing in ex players like Flamini. They've done too little now and it's too late. Every club around them has strengthened and added to their squad. With four days to go of the transfer window, it will be interesting to see who Wenger brings in. The problem is, even if he makes a signing or two, it's not enough and we know it won't be who he wants. All of his previous targets have turned Arsenal down and the club is becoming a laughing stock. How is every possible target slipping away?

Napoli, Marseille and Borussia Dortmund, have been drawn into Arsenal's Champions League group this season. I can't see them qualifying, with Premier League games to deal with at the weekend. Their squad isn't big enough to play a big game, twice a week. They're going to go out and they're not getting top four this season. Wenger and the board have become an embarrassment and it's time for them to go. It's just one big downward spiral and until Arsenal stop paying into the pockets of the owners, it isn't going to change.

The trauma of the transfer window

1st of July has come and gone, but the situation with most clubs remains the same and we're all aware that conclusions won't be reached until the window shuts, on September the 2nd. Rumours are written daily on Twitter and in the media, with many newspapers contradicting each other as different journalists have different ideas on what will sell their paper. 

For the fans, it's once again a stressful summer, being left in the dark and not knowing whether your manager is going to strengthen the team and hold on to key players. The likes of Manchester City have gone quietly about their business and Liverpool seem to have made some shrewd signings, but the strain still remains as Liverpool fans ponder whether their main man Luis Suarez will remain at the club. However West Ham United and Norwich City have done well to seal Gary Hooper and Andy Carroll, Fulham grabbed Adel Taarabt on loan, whilst Newcastle United also acquired French international Loic Remy. 

Arsenal have again failed to sign anyone worth mentioning. Meanwhile their North London rivals have spent well, bringing in a much needed striker and adding to their midfield, but can they hold on to Gareth Bale?  Manchester United haven't addressed their issues, most notably in midfield, although managed to finalise some business in January for Wilfried Zaha. As a United fan I know that's not enough, and the troubles mount as Wayne Rooney wants out, with Chelsea knocking on the door. 

Having said that, there's less than four weeks to go until Jim White goes into overdrive on sky sports for deadline day, and you do feel things are about to move pretty quickly. You believe one transfer could trigger a domino effect. Bale going to Madrid could be astronomic. Levy would be mad to refuse a world record £85 million fee, and the plot thickens when you find out Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to sign a new deal since last October. Can Real Madrid pay such wages and does this tempt Manchester United? This could also potentially free up Wayne Rooney. 

The transfer window is simply one big merry-go-round, and no club is jumping off until September the 2nd. I hope Suarez and Rooney stay at their clubs, I think they owe the fans and should respect their contracts. Although Liverpool need to understand that Suarez probably wants European football, whilst Wayne Rooney is playing for the 20th time league Champions. Why would he want to leave? Arsenal desperately need to spend, otherwise they'll be fighting for top four again and they know it. Spurs and Liverpool have strengthened, but time will tell if they've spent well. As for the top three, City are ready and United are the champions, Mourinho is back and the next four weeks could be crucial in deciding the race for the title.