New Delhi: While the final days of the summer transfer window are usually frenetic, Arsenal have never been one of those clubs scrambling around to make last-minute additions to their squad... Until this season, that is...
The last three days have seen Arsenal sign five new players, with deals for Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun being completed at the eleventh hour. That brings Arsenal's total to nine signings during this transfer window, surprisingly making them one of the most active clubs in the market. But, given that the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Manchester United was their worst in 115 years, perhaps it isn't so surprising after all!
Arsene Wenger is not known to go on buying sprees, unless it involves investing on promising young players. So it is hard to tell whether this out-of-character approach by Wenger was a well-planned attempt to address some long-standing deficiencies in his squad, or a desperate reaction to the most galling loss he has suffered during his tenure at Arsenal. Probably both.
Despite the new additions though, it is unlikely that Arsenal supporters will be getting their hopes high just yet. Some will question the absence of a so-called 'marquee signing' to replace the talismanic Cesc Fabregas and the influential Samir Nasri, but that is neither Wenger's style, nor did Arsenal leave themselves with enough time to find one. And after being linked to a host of names in the past week, including Juan Mata (who has since moved to rivals Chelsea), Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard, the final arrivals are slightly underwhelming.
Still, at least Wenger has brought in some much-needed reinforcements. So how far will the new signings redress Arsenal's weaknesses?
Vulnerability in defence has been Arsenal's biggest failing in recent seasons, cruelly highlighted at Old Trafford. Injuries and suspensions forced Carl Jenkinson into an early debut, but the promising 19-year-old, who can also play in the centre, can provide cover for Bacary Sagna at right-back. Meanwhile, Brazilian Andre Santos is known more as an attack-minded full-back than for his defensive prowess, so the left-back position remains a concern following the departure of Gael Clichy.
Per Mertesacker will be a first-team starter, given that central defence has been Arsenal's Achilles heel. But the big, strong 26-year-old may take time to adjust to the fast-paced game of the Premier League. Still, the German boasts of 75 caps and was part of the team that did so well at the 2008 Euros and the 2010 World Cup, so he should bring some much-need stability to the back four.
Arsenal's most interesting buys have been Arteta and Benayoun, though they cannot fill the gap left by the exits of Fabregas and Nasri. Yet, Arteta could prove to be an astute buy. While Everton fans will feel they have got a good amount for a player who, at 29, they believe is past his prime, Arteta is an established performer who will be keen to prove himself at the highest level.
In his six seasons at Everton, the former Barcelona trainee has shown the skill and ability that suggests he can easily fit into Arsenal's style of play in the pivotal role of an attacking midfielder. He has superb vision and touch, is useful in dead-ball situations, and can also provide goals - He netted 41 times in 208 matches for Everton at a rate of a goal every five games. The Spaniard will not require any settling-in period and can give the Gunners the creative presence they have missed this season. An automatic first-choice, the only concern could be the playmaker's injury record - He has only played over 30 Premier League games once in six full seasons.
There will also be injury-related worries over Benayoun, but the 31-year-old will certainly add some depth to the squad. The talented Israeli hasn’t managed to perform consistently at either Liverpool or Chelsea, and is likely to compete with Tomas Rosicky for a first-team spot.
Among the forwards brought in, Gervinho has shown signs of adapting the fastest and has already displaced the disappointing Marouane Chamakh in the pecking order. South Korea skipper Chu Young Park, meanwhile, has been prolific in the past and will be motivated to re-discover his goal-scoring touch before returning home in two years for military duty.
However, several problems remain unsolved. Arsenal are still light in central defence, with neither Sebastien Squillaci nor Johan Djourou good enough. An experienced left-back and a clinical striker to support Robin van Persie would have been useful, while Arsenal might yet miss adding a physical presence in the midfield.
All in all, the new signings will definitely strengthen the threadbare squad that caused much doom and gloom among the fans after the loss to United. Arteta, Benayoun, Mertesacker, Santos and Park - all international players - will provide the much-needed experience, while Jenkinson, Japanese teenage striker Ryo Miyaichi and highly-rated youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are investments for the future.
Despite being the most successful manager in Arsenal's history, Wenger now faces the most critical period of his reign, as he looks to restore the belief and confidence of a fragile side lacking leadership on the field. And, unless the players brought in can blend into the team soon, the Gunners still face a fight to retain their top-four spot this season.
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