Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims that he is well aware of the expectations and anxiety of the club’s supporters regarding the Gunners’ transfer activity this summer.
The veteran French manager has come under a lot of criticism for his perceived reluctance to spend big money in transfer windows. He recently spoke out about the transfer market during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of America, hinting at the possibility of late signings for Arsenal.
“I can understand the excitement level and the anxiety level of our fans, as they are seeing all the clubs bringing players in,” the Frenchman said, according to the Guardian.
“We know by experience that the most active week is the last week of August and at the moment it’s a bit of a poker game between everyone. If you look at the market in Europe, there’s a lot of money but not many players who really strengthen the teams.
“All the investment from clubs around us didn’t stop Leicester from winning the championship. We had 18 teams behind us last year, and now we have to make sure we have 19 behind us next season.”
Arsenal have just made the one major signing this summer, with Swiss central midfielder Granit Xhaka joining them from Borussia Monchengladbach for a reported fee of £30 million. A striker and a defender remain Arsene Wenger’s top priorities in this transfer window, but they are facing significant struggles in each of their transfer negotiations.
Their attempt to sign Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy was unsuccessful, as the 29-year-old signed a new contract with the reigning champions. They have since turned their attentions to his teammate Riyad Mahrez, who is also looking likely to stay with Leicester this summer.
Apart from the Leicester pair, the Gunners have been looking at striking reinforcements from other leagues as well. After ending up unsuccessful in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, new Juventus signing Gonzalo Higuain and Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, the Gunners are now being strongly linked with Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.
It remains to be seen if Wenger really does manage to make a last minute signing in August and give the fans something to be satisfied about in what is likely to be his final season in charge of the Gunners.
