Arsene Doesn't Spend Big....But Why????

[SPUDMASHER]

I've been giving this a bit of thought and even now I cannot decide why. Let's explore a few possible reasons and see where it takes us:-

1. Arsene genuinely believes that most of the big money players are not worth the amount they command. He therefore will not 'waste' the money and further fuel the already over-inflated market by buying big.

2. The board lie. The money is not available and like any good manager Arsene closes rank with them, supports their policies and generates an excuse similar to point number 1.

3. His vision is really long term. He achieves a degree of success with the team that far exceeds the investment in it. By developing young players he has undoubtedly financed the building of a magnificent stadium and set the stone of future stability firmly in place. Spending big would undermine those efforts.

4. He's scared to do so. Does Arsene cope well with established stars? Well, we know he is okay with those that he helps make stars, but what about an established one coming in? Would he be able to exercise the same amount of influence over them and would they disrupt the harmony. Big stars often have some form of ego/baggage that he doesn't want around the team?

5. No more excuses. We've heard it said many times haven't we! "The team has done so well and although we wanted to win this competition I am still proud of my team". This roughly translates to "Well considering this team is put together on a shoestring budget nobody can criticise them OR ME". If he then goes out and spends £70 million as most of us want him to then there are no more excuses for not changing "nearly men" into "winning men". Arsene is almost untouchable in his current position but would he be so if he spent big with no return on his investment? Is he protecting himself?

Like I said, just a few ideas so get thinking and let us all know what you think.

[T.S]

Good post. I think it's a combination of three and four. He undoubtedly has a long term vision, which is much longer than just this season. I'm sure his logic behind it is that, if you can form a huge group of youngsters (I think 'kids' is pushing it a bit...), then there will be a huge team spirit born out of it - a sense of camaraderie, if you like. If you sign big names, they're going to come with their big egos and thus, won't buy in to the whole team spirit thing, as much. The idea is that these youngsters will grow up and mature with each other, and I guess the hope is that the dressing room will be like one big happy family.

Now, although I can see the logic behind that, and in truth, it is a good philosophy to have, I don't think it's going to win us anything. A total reliance on youngsters is wrong, and a total reliance on big names and big money is wrong, too. You need to strike a balance, and I don't know if AW either a) doesn't know how to do that, or b) is reluctant to do that, for whatever reason. But if you ask me, although the defence has been weak this season, one thing we've missed is an individual talent or two who can change a game out of nothing. Someone who can chip in with a goal out of nowhere when the chips are down.

As the dust settles from our terrible run of form which has seen us blow the league, I am of the opinion that although we don't have a good enough squad, I don't think we're too far off. I think three experienced signings would make a huge difference to the side, and that would see me go in to the new season with huge confidence. However, going back to my earlier points, I don't know whether AW will let himself to do that. My guess is that he probably won't...

[Magic Hat]

I think he knows that big players are overpriced on the whole but if he went for Ribery, then we can assume he is willing to spend it if they are good enough.

Don't think it is 2. I think 3 is the most accurate in that he has faith in the youngsters coming up and he isn't now going to risk ruining that by being careless with money. Not so sure about 4 but possible, certainly would be thinking about it if we don't spend this summer

[Galasso]

I believe that he's already said out of his own mouth why he will not now spend big.

Speaking to a French Journalist, he argued against the massive injection of cash into Chelsea and the way that the club was run - believing this to be morally unfair and that he had a moral responsibility to build within a certain framework.

It appears that he wants to prove that you can mould a team within financial constraints and don't need to follow the Chelsea model, something I am sure that he despises having already had to compete with Marseille during their period of corruption.

Also, I remember him speaking with Amy Lawrence for a TV programme, during which he made clear his wish to work with young players in developing countries, particularly within Africa. His willingness to bring through young footballers is in line with the area of football he most enjoys.

My feeling is that while I believe the above to be fundamently true, I also feel that AW is a pragmatist and will know that success with Arsenal is his primary concern.

I hope that lessons are learned and that a moral crusade does not blind the boss to what needs to be done and the footballing world in which he has to operate.

[Rob]

Good Post Spuddy !

At the risk of sounding obsequious/repetitious I agree with TS its a combination of 3 and 4.


But he's got to bite the bullet on this one. If we bring Vella back, if Wallcot really comes good next year and we get and keep Rosick and RvP fit we can just about avoid the need for offensive firepower.

But that is one heck of an IF

But he can't escape the need for serious investment and reorganisation in our defence. The Times goes for Christian Zapata of Udinese. Never seen him but supposed to be big quick and imposing - which is what we desperately need.

Oh for TA6 of 20 years ago. If this guy is the closest available then GET HIM !

[BT]

I agree - i think a lot is personal pride and satisfaction in beating Man U and Chelsea based on what he's built rather than bought. After all, isnt that why everyone despises Chelsea? And dont we scorn at the money Rooney, Ferdinand etc cost?

I think to be fair, Man U have struck a balance between the two ways but could they have done it without american investment?

I also think, even if the money is available to buy, does this stretch to salaries? or is it just the initial fee kitty? Perhaps its the wage demands that puts him off as well as the baggage.

I think it is a comibination of all these factors mentioned and wanting to use his economic assets to ensure the future of the club. But i also think Spudmasher is right that while we're not winning, he can use the lack of funds as an excuse.

[Red Gunner]

Looks like Arsene has read this thread. He's got the answer for you:

Wenger - I'm not afraid to pay big money

Arsène Wenger is not scared to buy big this summer if he feels he needs to.

Speaking before the weekend defeat at Old Trafford that saw Arsenal's title bid come to an end, the manager said he may only take on one experienced player in the close season. However, despite some of his previous signings failing to fulfil their potential, he would not be afraid to outlay major money.

For example he was asked if the purchases of Jose Antonio Reyes and Francis Jeffers had put him off spending high transfer fees, also whether he was 'scared' of bringing in a superstar like Ronaldinho.

"Scared of what?" he replied. "I would not be scared. We couldn't afford him now so we have to forget it.

"But the money [we have paid out] is not comparable to what other teams have spent on players. For example with Reyes we got a big part back and for Jeffers a little part back. If we have the money and I am convinced it is worth it, we will do it."

[DB10GOONER]

Really good thread this one. I agree with Rob and TS; combo of points 3 and 4.

The only point I might add to this (reluctantly) is that there may just be a touch of that infamous (and supposed) French arrogance involved too. He's been told by the press that he has to buy big names to complete the team and I think that rankles him.

Also, this thread is so good that if pantofake jumps in and ruins it by turning it into his usual "my dingaling is bigger than blah blah Tarquin blah blah Susan blah blah" rubbish, then we should promptly bar him. What say you mods? I originally voted against barring the twat but he is ruining too many good threads with rubbish.

[REB]

its the morals that wenger will stand by,, whe he was at monaco it was the season of the marseille bribe case and wenger finished second,,and that hurt him badly,,
he see's himself as been on higher ground and thats why he wont sign bigger players or deal with there agents who want huge money,, just my own slant on things
but good post there spuddie

[flash gunner]

I have said this before i think its more likely to be number 2. I think our wealth has been vastly over estimated. We are in huge debt because of the stadium but i think the future things will be different. He will always close ranks with the board as he has total run of the football side of the club and loves it that way. Having total control is another reason he has never been tempted by Real or Barca etc

I personally would accept there will be few new signings if thats the case but i hate not being told

[SPUDMASHER]

Well I'm glad you're all enjoying the thread. At least I can show the wife that contrary to her opinion (which she has voiced quite loudly this week resulting in my not being allowed to thr Reading game on Saturday ) i'm not a completely useless crunt I think DB10 has a good point about the French arrogance slant and this goes on the list as reason number 5.

[QuartzGooner]

Point three of Spudmasher's is the reason I go for, that Wenger wants a long term development of youth players that he can improve their technical abilities.

Why?

1) Because he likes total football as crowd pleasing

2) Because we are in debt for new stadium.
It is large debt, but it is structured debt.
We have a decent bank balance but we need to retain half of it as security on the loan.
So we have to be very prudent in financial terms until we get more cash in from sale of Highbury residences, and the money from new stadium builds up.

[SPUDMASHER]

I've just been offerred another option by a friend visiting me.

Option 7. We are saving as much as we can in the event that a large shareholder decides to sell. The club would have the funds to buy and therefore fend off Usmanov etc.

Interesting Theory......I like it..I'm not sure it is right, but I like it.

[augie]

Good thread spuddy but the one thing I do disagree with you on is your belief that if wenger spent big money then he would be under serious pressure compared to the easy time he is getting now. It is my opinion, and I think many others will concur, that wenger is under pressure now because he refuses to buy when it is so obviously needed and I would be a lot more supportive of him if he actually did buy some players but still not win a trophy cos as I have stated before I would rather fail trying something than fail doing nothing.

As for option 7 I will say it is a disgrace if there was any truth in it but knowing our board I wouldnt rule it out either

[Gimp_mask]

SUPERB THREAD,
It's a mixture of options 3 and 4 for me, it is so obvious for all to see we are far too weak in central defence. Playing Song at Centre back at Old Trafford? Do me a favour, we are better than that, Song is a good young midfielder and if Wenger has no confidence in Sendoros or Djouou (who may have been injured?) get the facking chequebook out and sign Micah Richards. A superb player who will soon turn into a 'Sol Campebell' in his prime like monster and we can have Gallas as back up coz Kolo Toure should always, always play at centre back (although he can do a sterling job anywhere on the pitch in my opinion)

If Wenger has no faith in Sendoros then sell him, Gilberto, Eboue and Hoyte.

Would love another centre back signed with Richards but none have jumped up and bit my arse.......any thoughts?