Over the past couple of years, Arsenal have been severely criticised for their transfer policy and their reluctance to splash the cash on big name players. The Gunners have been accused of everything from a lack of ambition to manipulating the share price, as their time without a trophy grows longer and longer and Arsene Wenger’s men slip further and further down the Premier League pecking order.
The frustration of Arsenal fans reached boiling point this summer as Samir Nasri, one of the star men in Arsenal shirts in recent years, was lured away by the riches of Manchester City as Arsenal failed to match his ambition and wage demands.
It is a common misconception that Arsenal are not willing to spend money. That has been refuted by Arsene Wenger, who has claimed the Gunners would spend £30m, even £40m on the right player. It is not the transfer fee as such that Arsenal will not pay, but rather the wages that come with it. Arsenal have a very clear and defined wage policy and the reality is, a £40m footballer is unlikely to be happy with wages within this bracket. For this reason, if they want the world class players, they are going to have to break their wage structure and pay top dollar.
It is easy to criticise Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, but in my opinion their policy should be applauded. The wages being paid to Premiership footballers is simply not sustainable without the backing of an oil rich owner happy to throw his money away.
Football cannot sustain the ever increasing wage levels and there is going to come a point in the future when clubs like Man City are going to lose their backing and what happens then? In contrast, Arsenal have built a very strong foundation both on and off the park which will see them in good stead for many years to come, even if the next period looks like being tough. The Gunners cannot afford to abandon their policy in the face of adversity. Ask anyone associated with Serie A in the late 90's how living beyond your means turned out in the peninsula.
Wednesday night’s ridiculous Carlos Tevez situation has highlighted why Arsenal are right not to pander to the ever increasing greed of the modern day footballer. For the Argentine striker to refuse to play, despite trousering £250k per a week, is nothing short of scandalous. Clubs cannot and should not be held to ransom by players but the unfortunate reality is that with a 250k wage comes a 250k a week ego.
It may be frustrating at times, but bringing through the likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey is the correct way forward for Arsenal and while the next period will be undoubtedly rocky, the long term is in good hands in Arsene Wenge
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