After a summer largely of transfer inactivity, it appears Arsenal are going to repeat their antics of last season with a host of panic-buying.
Former Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo has joined the Premier League outfit on a free transfer, and is the only signing of the summer for Arsenal.
The London side have enquired about two of Swansea City’s players Ashley Williams and Miguel Michu, but have seen their interest rebuffed in recent weeks. Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has also attracted interest from the Gunners – who have recently made a £10M bid.
All of Arsenal’s approaches this summer have been deemed as unsatisfactory by said players’ respective clubs, and time is fast running out for the Gunners to make new additions to the current squad.
Manager Arsene Wenger has maintained his side have the resources to spend big on their targets, but Wenger has so far failed to come good on his promise, which has led to supporters to call for his head after just one Premier League game of the new season.
Until Arsenal offer an above market-value bid for a player, they will continue to miss out on their transfer targets.
The club are reported to be in bid for a number of players still this summer. Former Stuttgart striker Ciprian Marica, now a free agent, was linked previously, but no movement has been made. Malaga right-back Jesus Gamez, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, Anzhi striker Samuel Eto’o, Queens Park Rangers ‘keeper Julio Cesar, free agent Mathieu Flamini, and Olympique Lyonnais attacking-midfielder Yoann Gourcuff are all on Arsenal’s radar.
With only 12 days remaining of the summer transfer window, it’s expected Arsenal will now compromise quality for availability in order to have depth in the side, but whether it improves the current playing squad remains to be seen.
Fans are furious as to why no money has been spent before the season started, and should no new additions be brought in before September, protest could get vehement.