COMMENT: Silencio. Silenzio. Nowt. Sorry Gooners. You want to offer some hope. Something to cling onto. But for now, all that chat about big money being spent on big names is just that... chat.
At this time of year, you can usually get a gauge from sources on the continent regarding how particular clubs are going to act in the summer market. On the weekend, we had stories of Arsenal's board planning a massive overhaul of the squad. Huge spending was envisioned. The names were from the top drawer - Marco Reus at Borussia Dortmund, even Atletico Madrid's Ballon d'Or place-getter Antoine Griezmann was being pushed. But from Spain. From Germany. Even Italy. Arsenal just aren't generating any type of buzz.
That's not to say the Gunners aren't active. Pablo Fornals, Malaga's young Spain international midfielder, is being watched regularly by Steve Rowley's scouts. As is Udinese's Czech Republic prospect Jakub Jankto. But you get the idea. It's still about buying potential. Not the readymade article. And there's just no real sign of a willingness to get involved in a serious auction for a seriously transformative player.
But maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves. From what we're learning of Ivan Gazidis' fireside chat with fans yesterday, it sounds like everything is on-hold.
How could you read it otherwise? The chief executive told supporters that Arsene Wenger's contract remained "unsigned". Indeed, he went further, suggesting that nothing had been agreed and any decision for the manager to continue would be on "mutual" approval. In other words, everything is STILL in limbo. For all the claims from Wenger last week that he's made his "decision", as far as the board is concerned, sod all has been decided.
Gazidis, however, did tell those attending the Q&A that a shake-up of the club's management structure was underway - and the ideal scenario was to have Wenger at the helm overseeing it all. A first technical director appointment for the club is being actively discussed - which some are suggesting will see long time dealmaker Dick Law pushed aside.
However, Tribalfootball.com understands Law is likely to remain involved, even if the new position is created. Law has nothing to do with the football side of transfers and is strictly employed to oversee negotiations. Whether Wenger is kicked upstairs or a Monchi-type (as this column has advocated) arrives, a negotiator of Law's experience and expertise is still going to be needed.
In the meantime, from what we're learning, it sounds like Gazidis hung Wenger out to dry on Sunday. There was no admission of fault on behalf of the board for this season's crisis, instead Gazidis appeared to lay it at the feet of Wenger.
Gazidis apparently relayed a conversation Wenger had with the board, stating he was willing to “reinvent" himself and how he must be a “catalyst for change" if he is to stay on. Or to put it another way - stubborn, obstinate Wenger has led us into this position. But he's promised he's now going to 'change'...
There's also been mention of a summer transfer budget. £110 million. Nothing to dismiss. But how much of that would be needed to land Griezmann? Sure that could swell if Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are sold. But again, how much will it cost to replace them? Or better stated, how much is needed for Arsenal to just tread water for another season?
It appears this board is going against general football logic: that it's easier to change the manager than change the team. An approach which actually deserves some praise. But if Wenger is to stay. And his decision is to work. Then it won't be just the manager who must be the “catalyst for change". From Stan Kroenke down, this board will require a radical change in its approach to transfer policy.
£110 million won't be enough. Not even close. But after 20 years of service, you fancy this is the summer Wenger cashes in his chips.
If he's to survive the backlash from those whom want him gone. If Arsenal are to give their greatest the farewell he deserves. The board are going to have spend like never before.
There'll be frustration - even anger - among some sections of the support if Wenger, indeed, puts pen to paper. But it will subside if soon after that announcement supporters are seeing genuine, world class names driving through the London Colney gates.
With the same manager. And with the same transfer policy. It's difficult to see the club surviving as it is. Something needs to change. And if it's not the man in the dugout, then it has to be how the team is put together.
Source: tribalfootball.com