What a bad summer it has been for Arsene Wenger in the transfer market.
Today the Gunners lost out on yet another potential signing, as Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo signed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal.
The holding midfielder was said to be a long-term target for both Arsenal and Chelsea, but he has decided to stay in Germany rather than heading to the PL.
Gustavo has been searching for regular soccer all summer, despite several good seasons for Bayern Munich. New manager Pep Guardiola has signed a plethora of new midfielders and the combative 26-year-old wasn’t part of his plans.
Many believed Gustavo would be the perfect foil to Jack Wilshere in Arsenal’s engine room, with Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey hit and miss at best over the past two seasons.
(MORE: Asene Wenger hears your transfer concerns, and he doesn’t care)
So, Gustavo has decided to stay in the Bundesliga. Maybe he wanted to stay in a league familiar to him heading into the 2014 World Cup in Brazil? Or maybe, Arsenal just aren’t the attractive proposition they once were.
No doubt Wenger has a hugely talented squad at his disposal. But any potential signing will want to win trophies and challenge for titles. Once again this season, the Gunners may flatter to deceive on both counts.
The North London side have been tracking Luis Suárez but don’t look like landing the Uruguayan unless Liverpool have a huge change of heart. Earlier in the summer Gonzalo Higuain turned down the chance to sign and instead went to Napoli and rumors of Wayne Rooney turning down a move to Arsenal have also surfaced.
Arsenal have aimed big. But they’re striking out every single time. Where do they go from here?
To be honest, unless a big name attacking player becomes available, they may as well just stick with what they have. Olivier Giroud is a decent target man and showed in spells that he can terrorize opposition defenses. While Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are three of England’s brightest young talents.
It isn’t all bad news.
But what is the point of Wenger unleashing his considerable war chest )so we’re told) to land a player that won’t make a difference? You can understand if the Higuain deal came off and the Gunners spent $50 million. He is pure class and would add 20-25 goals per season. But why spend $15-20 million on a player who may do an okay job.
At this point their squad should stay the same.
They’ve got time to spend if they want but don’t forget Arsenal were unbeaten in their final 10 games last season, winning eight of them. If they could add one more top quality player, it will make the world of difference. If they don’t, it’s not the end of the world.
Either way, it’s been a frustrating summer for Wenger and Arsenal’s fans.