In the aftermath of the transfer window deadline, after all the dust has settled, the only signing that was made by Arsenal was a 17 year old Macedonian goalkeeper. Typically Wenger. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand the reasons behind the club’s relative inactivity during transfer windows despite the fact it is publicly known that there is money available.

Wenger, notoriously quiet with regards to his transfer business, clearly believes that this squad is good enough to compete for the title and in Europe. Of course the FA Cup isn’t going to be overlooked but the first two are surely Wenger’s main priorities.

Encouraging

There are encouraging signs from the back four under the guidance of newly appointed Steve Bould at the start of this new season but many fans will feel that sufficient replacements for van Persie and Song have not been purchased.

The signings of Podoski and Giroud were made with the thought of offsetting the departure of van Persie. As Wenger points out it will take time for them to gel and the idea this term is to share the goal scoring load. I was encouraged by what I saw from Giroud against Stoke and I think he will come good as the season goes on. Podolski, too, is an experienced international who will score goals and it is not inconceivable to think that both strikers will score 15+ goals this season.

I think the depth we have in midfield will be enough to deal with departure of Song with Arteta assuming his role and the return of Wilshere coming in October.

Missed opportunity

The transfer deadline, though, was Wenger’s chance to turn a good team into a very good team that could challenge for the title this year. The squad doesn’t have the depth needed to maintain an assault on both the Champions League and the Premier League. Two more signings of experienced players in the wide position/and or in midfield and up front were needed to enable this team to maintain a challenge for the whole season.

Of course, I would love to be proved wrong, but the reality is that if Giroud and Podolski pick up injuries then Chamakh is the only other option we have.

Frustrating

It is frustrating when you know that Wenger had the funds required to augment the squad. The fact that Arsenal are the only Champions League club in England to make financial profit is impressive but the insistence on doing things ‘the Arsenal way’ may prove to be our downfall as prudence in the transfer window could cost us a shot at the title.

No fans were expecting hundreds of millions of pounds to be spent but a slight tweak in transfer policy would have appeased. Wenger’s unwavering faith in his players and philosophy will be questioned by fans if results do not go our way and this missed opportunity will be cited.

It will be fascinating, though, and the first major test will be against Liverpool on Sunday who will be far different packages to the two faced already.

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