However before we all start to jump for joy, let’s not be too hasty. Several so called experts also made similar claims towards the end of last season, but with the closing of the summer transfer window on 31st August 2011, Arsenal had still not managed to sell off their most average performers, the likes of Almunia, Fabianski, Bendtner, Denilson, Vela, Squillaci, Rosicky, Djourou, Chamakh, Arshavin and Diaby were still on the club’s books. The major stumbling block preventing these players from securing a move away from the Emirates, is actually not their distinct lack of footballing ability but in fact the ridiculously high wages they are being paid by Arsenal. Bendtner for example is reportedly earning £50,000 a week, while Diaby is paid £60,000 a week. Who in their right mind decided these players deserved such high wages? What has Bendtner ever done to justify a £50,000 a week pay packet? While Diaby spends more time in the treatment room than on the field. In addition to this Carlos Vela has been sent on numerous loans throughout his time at Arsenal, but has never improved, and Denilson was this summer sent on loan to Soa Paulo for the entire season, even though the Brazilian season finished in December! What makes matters worse is that while playing on loan these players' wages are heavily subsidied by their parent club.
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| The infamous eleven |
Even if Arsenal were lucky enough to find a club willing to sign one of these players, the player’s exorbitant wage demands would scupper the deal. This is exactly what happened with Bendtner and Almunia in the summer; neither could agree personal terms with other clubs and so while these teams had a narrow escape as the deals fell through, Arsenal were essentially stuck with them. The truth is Arsenal’s band of mediocre players will never be signed by one of the world’s top clubs; the best they can hope for is a mid-table team, who would never be able to afford such wages. As a result Arsenal find themselves in an awkward situation as they will have to settle for significantly reduced transfer fees for these players, in order to make any deal attractive to the buying club. One thing is certain, before Wenger can bring in the players which he believes will rejuvenate this club, he will have to sell those who do not meet Arsenal’s high standards. Any transfer fees received will be a bonus; the main outcome will be to remove the burden of their ludicrous wages. Arsenal’s future prospects depend on Wenger’s ability to achieve this goal.
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