Arsenal fans spent the summer pleading with Arsene Wenger to splash the cash and spend the money on new players. When the transfer window slammed shut on Wednesday, Wenger had spent a record £89m, but the consensus from the fans was more blase than excitement.
Arsenal Summer Signings:
Granit Xhaka Borussia Mönchengladbach £35m; Shkodran Mustafi Valencia £35m; Lucas Pérez Deportivo La Coruña £17m; Rob Holding Bolton Wanderers £2m
Departures:
Tomas Rosicky Sparta Prague Free; Joel Campbell Sporting Lisbon (loan); Calum Chambers Middlesbrough (loan); Jack Wilshere Bournemouth (loan)
Good Window?
Arsene Wenger spent a record amount for a summer window as Xhaka, and if the early matches are any indication, he is a really good signing that will give the Gunners a little bite in the middle of the park.
Perez and Mustafi arrived for a combined total of £52m, and the jury is out on them. Mustafi could solve the center back issues that the Gunners have, but Perez is far from the world class striker that Arsenal fans were hoping for.
Rob Holding is a nice player with potential, but he is a signing for the future not now. If he is playing every week, then something is not working at the Emirates.
Grade
Overall, a decent window for Arsenal, as I am giving Wenger the benefit of the doubt on Mustafi. So a B grade.
The problem for the Gunners is that the other title contenders like Manchester City, Man United, Chelsea and even Leicester had better transfer windows. As a result Arsenal will be fighting for 4th this season and not the title.
What did you think of Arsenal’s transfer dealing?
