To say Arsenal are in crisis would be an exaggeration but these are certainly worrying times down at The Emirates. Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to a limited Liverpool side showed just how weak the current squad is and it seems many fans are losing patience.
With Cesc Fabregas gone, Samir Nasri almost certain to be next and, apart from Gervinho, only kids coming in, there is no doubt the team is in transition. But is Arsene Wenger really blame for this current situation?
Do you think he does not know what the team needs? Of course he does. You do not win all he has won without recognising weaknesses within your own squad. He knows the club needs a centre back, a defensive midfielder and a replacement for Fabregas, and I am sure he has been doing everything he can to get them. The problem is not Wenger's unwillingness to splash out £40million on a player, it is the wage structure of the club. A wage structure that has been in place as far back as when George Graham was in charge.
Yes, the club can afford to pay the transfer fees for players like Juan Mata or Jadson but can they meet their wage demands? And would they even want to? Would it be fair on Robin van Persie or Jack Wilshere to pay any new arrivals twice as much as they have been getting? Would that be good for team spirit or in the best interests of the club?
But perhaps the real problems are further afield. With clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United willing to pay players in excess of £100k a week, why would anyone come to Arsenal for £80k? Even if they were winning trophies it is unlikely they would attract the top, top players as the prize of Champions League football, which is the ultimate stage for any footballer, is clearly not enough. No, money talks and that is the bottom line. Would Fabregas have stayed if his team had beaten Birmingham at Wembley in February? Would that have kept Nasri happy? It seems very unlikely...
So the club are now at a crossroads. Do they give up on their principles to satisfy the needs of the fans or do they stick to their guns and risk dropping out of the top four? Personally I hope it is the latter. Arsenal have always done things the right way and have spent the last six years building a good young side while remaining financially secure, so it would be a shame if they were to abandon all that to chase the quick bucks.
The counter argument, of course, is that it may be better to splash out now to ensure Champions League football again next season, and all the riches that brings, but there is no guarantee that would happen anyway? Liverpool have spent a fortune since January but are they any nearer the top four? On the evidence of Saturday's match I would suggest not, but I guess only time will tell.
Whatever the pros and cons one thing is clear - the next ten days will be a pivotal time in the history of Arsenal Football Club and possibly for the game as a whole. I look forward to the outcome with baited breathe and, whatever your club, I think you should too...
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