The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsBefore the window had even opened, Arsenal had confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka; who was absolutely fantastic at the Euros may I add. However, since then the transfer window has been far from exciting for Arsenal fans.
The failure to secure the signing of Jamie Vardy was embarrassing to say the least. Arsenal had activated the striker’s £20 million release clause, and it looked as though a deal would be finalised before the Euros. Despite Arsenal offering higher wages, Vardy opted to stay at Leicester and signed a new four year deal with the club.
Although the Vardy deal confirmed that Arsenal are looking to improve their attacking options, it doesn’t necessarily suggest that they will go out and sign an alternative.
It’s clear that Arsenal are in desperate need of a world class striker. The only issue is, will Arsene Wenger spend big? The likes of Lacazette, Higuaín and Morata will all cost well over £40 million, and recent transfer windows suggest that the Frenchman will not be willing to pay over the odds.
To rub salt into the wounds of Arsenal fans, the club announced that a deal had been agreed to sign 21 year old striker Takuma Asano. Not exactly what Arsenal fans were hoping for, but Wenger has made it clear that this signing is one for the future.
Not only do the Gunners need a top class centre forward, but they also need to strengthen their defensive options. With an ageing Per Mertesacker and a raw Gabriel Paulista as their only options to partner Laurent Koscienly, signing another top centre half is vital. However, once again, it all comes down to whether Arsene Wenger will be willing to spend big.
Last season proved that Arsenal’s squad needs major strengthening. Petr Cech was the only addition last summer, and many fans hoped that the club would have learnt from their mistakes.
Although there is still plenty of time for Arsenal to bring in top class additions, this all seems far too familiar and looks as though it could be another disappointing transfer window.
Will Wenger spend big? Or will he remain loyal and stick with what he’s got?
