Arsenal reaping the rewards from Wenger’s transfer masterstroke
Football FanCast columnist Billy Pearson reflects on arguably Arsene Wenger’s greatest bit of business at Arsenal.
When Le Sulk takes to the pitch at the Emirates tomorrow afternoon, there is a lot for Arsenal fans to be thankful for and perhaps it does pay to have an over confident upstart, advised by his brothers who felt it was in his best interests to move to Real Madrid. I don’t remember any Arsenal fans questioning the judgment of Wenger in cashing in at the time, especially as we received £23m in return.
It is arguably the best bit of business Wenger and Arsenal have ever done and in hindsight probably the most significant, especially in light of Bob Wilson’s revelations as to where that money went. Not only did £12m go on the state of the art training and academy facility, but the spare £11m went who on in my opinion is the greatest player to ever don the Arsenal shirt, a certain Mr Henry. The deal proved to be a total win, win all round for Arsenal and I find it incredible that Wenger’s dynasty started with the success that Henry inspired, while being in a position to create an Academy of Excellence that has seen the likes of Fabregas, Merida and Wilshere (to name but a few) emerge to ensure that a legacy of success will prevail. It amazes me that all this has come about from an initial £300k outlay to PSG; talk about Wenger’s eye for a bargain.
So why Anelka moved on to years of mediocrity and representing a handful of teams, until finding a sound club in Chelsea, his sale enabled Arsene Wenger to transform every aspect of the football club and ensure a lasting legacy that is the envy of the League. We are not short of talent and as Cesc highlighted this morning, the future is extremely bright. In many ways we have Mousier Anelka to be thankful for everything we have seen in the past decade, not to mention his greedy advisors.
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i have to disagree with AW when he says money cannot buy success. he shd have said money helps to buy success. Where would the rfc be without the trillions he spent on buying players. He has won more honours than AW who has less money.
if the young guns don’t deliver this eason it will show his policy of buy and nuther them young aint working. furhtermore his emphasis on pretty soccer will come to haunt him if the gunners fail to win a trophy.