Arsenal Transfer Troubles: 2013-14

Arsenal Transfer Troubles: 2013-14

The transfer window is an important time for any club, but with the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and changes at the top for Man City and Chelsea, it seemed Arsenal were in a good position to solidify their place in the top four and start challenging for the title once more.

However, Tottenham stole a march on their rivals by signing an influx of quality players as they await a seemingly done deal for Gareth Bale to go to Madrid in a reported £100m move, whilst Man City announced themselves by signing players like Fernandinho, Navas and Negredo, showing faith and strong backing to new manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Man Utd were the champions last season and despite little movement in the transfer market, it could be argued that David Moyes inherited a good first XI, with the Rooney situation and a new centre-mid the most pressing of his concerns, rather than an overhaul of the team.

Lastly Chelsea, who are currently top of the league, whose most impressive signing has been the return of Jose Mourinho, are tipped to win the league by many bookmakers after a poor showing in the league last year.

So, finally onto the subject of Arsenal. Some people seem to have forgotten the resurgence of form the Gunners had in the latter part of last season as they battled with Tottenham for the coveted Champions League spot. Having emerged triumphant, it seemed that Arsene would finally be able to get the monkey off his back, appease the fans with some quality signings and quash any rumours of an exit for the EPL's longest serving manager.

Even with the emergence of Theo Walcott as the striker he always thought he could be, plus an improved showing by Oliver Giroud in recent months, Arsenal have been desperate to sign a world-class centre forward but they have been rebuffed at every turn. Their unsuccessful pursuit of Luis Suarez in particular wasted valuable time as they let other targets move out of their reach.

Arsenal reportedly but in a bid for Gonzalo Higuain (who ended up at Napoli) and tried to sign Stevan Jovetic, who eventually signed for Man City in a reported £22m deal as well as rumours they were interested in Wayne Rooney, but Chelsea seems to be the most likely destination if any for the England forward.

Late last night, it was reported that Arsenal are going to bid £40m for the services of Karim Benzema, who would fit the world-class striker role that the Gunners so desperately need. Arsenal have had no trouble identifying their targets during this window, so they should move quickly to ensure that they finally get their man.   

Even with their strong showing in the 3-0 win against Fenerbache in the Champions League qualifier, the 3-1 loss to Aston Villa in the opening game of the league season put Arsenal under unnecessary pressure from the media and portions of the fans who must be afraid of another dismal season from the club with the highest ticket prices in the league.

At least Arsenal have all but qualified for the Champions League proper (as they always do) and it will help in their quest to reinforce the team with quality signings. The transfer window is still open and they will probably sign a few players by the end, but there is a chance they may rue the players they missed earlier along the way.