Odds and Sods

Arsene Wenger admitted today that he rejected the opportunity to take maligned Brazilian striker Adriano on a one-year loan from Inter Milan.   Adriano was once thought to be well on his way to becoming the best player in the world, scoring a combined 40 goals in all competitions in 2004-5.  However, his poor form the last two seasons, along with questions about his work ethic and mental state, have left the 25 year-old dropped from the Brazilian national squad, as well as the starting XI at Inter.

Wenger stated, “I was offered Adriano, but he is not needed…it would mean losing a player (Tomas Rosicky?) and then get one in who we were not desperately wanting.”

Most Arsenal supporters will give the boss a pass on this one.  Though a potentially exciting talent, Adriano was a risky proposition at best.  If he was coming for merely a portion of his wages, he may have been worth the chance, but having to give up a player which could potentially disrupt the squad was not worth the risk.

However, many supporters will take issue with Wenger’s statement that there is “no movement in or out” and that it was unlikely Arsenal would bring another player in before the Aug. 31st deadline.

Arsene, perhaps more than any other manager in the world, has made his reputation through superior scouting and development of, often unheralded, young talent.  Unproven signings like Henry and Vieira left Arsenal as international superstars.  But, the backbone of his successful squads has always been the veterans.  He always had a Tony Adams or a Dennis Bergkamp to help blood the young players while maintaining continuity in the club.

But, a mere three seasons after the “Invincibles” of 2003-4, Gilberto is the only remaining key player in that important squad.  With Ljungberg and Henry on the way out over the summer, Wenger has completely turned the club over to the next generation.

As talented as Wenger’s kids are, however.  They still lack the consistency of a true title contender.  For every huge win at Anfield last season, there was a shocking 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United or a 1-1 draw at home, the precious point plucked in the fading moments after falling behind early.   Wenger will feel vindicated this season, with his squad picking up 7 pts from 3 matches and a combined 5-0 win in their Champions League qualifier.  However, in truth, they have yet to look convincing in the league this season.

Despite the array of talent, Arsenal have holes in the squad.  They lack a natural winger on either side, relying upon fullbacks, strikers, and center midfielders to provide a makeshift solution.  They have only one proven Premier League striker in Van Persie.  The others have the potential but have yet to prove themselves.  They also have a shortage of central defenders with Djourou out on loan and Gallas and Senderos injured.

Players like Flamini have shown a remarkable amount of versatility at filling in in a number of positions, but sometimes the best player to fill in at right back is (gasp!) a right back.  The Gunners do not need the young reincarnations of Bergkamp, Vieira, and Henry to come strolling through the door, but some solid veteran squad players could help solidify a side that could well be in danger of losing its Champions’ League place with a few key injuries.

Though it may be philosophically gratifying to limit spending, the league does not award silverware for a club being the most cost-effective.  The squad may not “need” that extra defender, but there is nothing wrong with having one as a contingency plan.  Wenger’s kids may be the title favorites in 2010, but a third year in a row without trophies would not go down well with the Arsenal fanbase.  Investment is possible without mortgaging the future, and one would hope the boss realizes that.