Ars-havin a laugh, or is he?

Good day to all,

I was going to write a harsh critique about our Russian renegade but instead I will not. It has come to my attention that Arshavin's recent comments may be the result of his cultural upbringing and nothing more. Apparently, Russians are very sharp in tongue and perhaps too honest for their own good. I didn't think about that until @SKAgooner brought it to my attention; kudos for that. But I am concerned that he is challenging Arsene Wenger's philosophy, and causing a rift between himself and the manager. I can only hope that AW is the wiser in the situation (likely) and dismisses his angst, frustration as nothing more than a culturally-specific sharing of perspective. I suppose time will tell, and his presence in the starting XI vs on the bench could be a good indicator of the consequence of his comments.

I always feel uneasy when players come out and talk to the press. Words are so easily mangled and twisted. I don't like it, and I wish AW would enforce a rule where the players cannot speak to the press unless he is present. I know that's not possible but I wish it was. Top players like the limelight as much as they may front that they don't.

I am uncomfortable with Arshavin because he is new and has not yet completed a full season at the Arsenal; I worry that he doesn't quite understand AW and the Club's business/football structure. The club is not like other clubs. Period. Arshavin's comment, "we should be looking at the top teams of Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona", worries me because it shows that he doesn't understand the Club's business structure; in particular, the income/debt ratio that makes the Arsenal solvent while the others mentioned are digging themselves deeper into debt. Unfortunately, most of the big clubs are heavy in debt; I would like to think that with the purchase of the Emirates and the continuation of the board's structure Arsenal will emerge as the most profitable club in England...and in Europe. Of course, this will take some time and fans, including Arshavin want the fruition of success now.

As the transfer window approaches its conclusion Arsenal have bought one player, released a few fringe players and lost both Donkeybayor and Toure. The pressing question for Arsenal fans and pundits alike is: Will AW purchase another defender? midfield option? No. I don't think he will. September 1st will roll around and he will have let the purchase window close without adding to the squad. But does AW really need to add to the squad?

Personally, I believe AW is done purchasing because he looks at the squad in terms of stars-in-the-making and does not want to bring in ready-made stars. Perhaps this has to do with his legacy in the making. A bit of his ego mixed with the realities of a man who is an Economist and manager. Plus, let's be honest, AW may have the money to buy but won't spend just to spend, nor spend too much on any particular talent. Is Arshavin an exception to this view? Not really. Arshavin might have been a star in Russia but he had not been tested on a European stage. Sure, he had a good run at the Euros but for many there was a major question about how he would react in a top league with a top team. Arshavin has completed half a term of play with stellar qualities but more needs to be seen. For me, Arshavin falls into the stars-in-the-making mold, independent of his age. Like many in the current squad, he hasn't won anything (of worth) and is ripe for an honors challenge.

Upon review of the squad, you'll find that the team could and should make a push in all major competitions without an addition. The following list shows the Arsenal's depth, using the current 4-3-3. Players in bold can float between positions. Note: Eboue is a defender, not a midfielder and I hope we never see him there again. I did not add Senderos to the list because I feel he will move on to Everton right at the close of the transfer window.

GK: Almunia, Fabianski, Minnone, Szczesny
Defenders: Sagna, Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Djourou, Gibbs, Clichy, Silvestre.
Midfielders: Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Wilshere, Rosicky, Ramsey, Nasri, Arshavin, Walcott, Diaby, Bendtner, Merida, Traore,
Strikers: Eduardo, Vela, Van Persie.

And a quick look at the reserves and we may see some of them make the jump up to the 1sts, if necessary. Note: I didn't add Randall because I don't rate him. He reminds me of Bentley, and would be better off sold. It remains to be seen if Barazite and Simpson will stay or go out on loan.

Midfielders: Coquelin, Frimpong, Watt, Barazite, Emmanual-Thomas.
Strikers: Sunu, Simpson.

It's a stretch but most of the listed reserves are between 18 and 19-years-old, although not in the same caliber of Jack Wilshere any one could be asked to make the step up to the 1st team. Now, it's not realistic to think they could put in a performance against a top 4 squad but these players are not without quality. These same reserves are current FA Youth Cup title holders and are available, if necessary.

In summary, I don't feel Arsene will buy another player of star caliber. I don't think there is anyone he is scouting that he feels is worth the money in the inflated transfer market. I feel he will rely on the depth of the current squad and rightly so. It's a delicate process to brood the youth into the 1st team but by doing so he allows the players the opportunity to become Gooners and become passionate about the squad, and about the Club itself. We want the players to become supporters of the Club, unwilling to be swayed by money and grandeur. We want them to honor the traditions of the club, and respect the badge. In order to promote this passion and nurture their belief in the Arsenal we must compete with what we have grown internally and not cast doubt upon their malleable minds by replacing their spot in the team with a star who doesn't know anything about the Club. For the sake of the badge, and for the sake of the Arsenal I feel we need to see this campaign through with our current squad. We no longer need to look elswhere. We are the Arsenal; we are ready.

ArsenaLOS