Arsenal are ready to back manager Arsene Wenger in the transfer market in the hope he will be able to bring some silverware to the Emirates Stadium next season (6/1 Arsenal – Premier League outright).
The Gunners have seen another season pass by without a trophy and it will be just as difficult next year following the emergence of Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa.
All three clubs, along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, are expected to spend big again in the summer and Wenger needs to be given the cash to compete with them.
The Frenchman is said to be closing in on the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh who is set to arrive on a free transfer, but it will take more than that to strike fear into their rivals.
Serious money needs to be spent and although chief executive Ivan Gazidis says Wenger will be backed in the transfer market, but the chances are the Frenchman will once again have to be shrewd.
“Arsenal have not had access to the deep pockets of a wealthy investor and we have focused on a path of independence underpinned by a sustainable business model for long-term success,” he revealed.
“With Highbury Square coming to completion and some of our other property developments bearing fruit, we’re now coming to a period where the financial health of the club is secure. That does not mean we have unlimited resources but it does mean we have sufficient funds to invest.”
Scoring goals is not a problem but defence is an area that definitely needs work with William Gallas set to leave on a free transfer, while Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell could also be on the way out.
Wenger wants Bolton defender Gary Cahill but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to stump up the £17m that Bolton will be asking for, while Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be keen.
A new goalkeeper could also be on the agenda as Manuel Almunia has struggled this season while there appears to be no real back up with Lukasz Fabianski blowing every opportunity he gets.
Next season is huge for Arsenal. Star man Cesc Fabregas will only hang around for so long and if the Gunners cannot mount a serious push for domestic and European glory then he is sure to consider his future.
Wenger may struggle to keep hold of him this summer but he will be fighting a losing battle in 12 months time unless the Gunners win some silverware and fast.
ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.
Germany coach Joachim Low has made the surprise decision to announce he will not be taking Kevin Kuranyi to the World Cup this summer – over a month before the showpiece tournament starts (14/1 Germany – World Cup outright).