[boundngag]

Thus far this summer, Arsenal's ONLY transfer in has been the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo. No one else. The only difference between this transfer window and others is that Arsenal have linked themselves to bigger name transfer targets such as Rooney and Suarez.

What usually happens (admittedly with lesser names in football) is lots of bids earlier in the transfer window (all mysteriously leaked to the press) and none arrive. Then Wenger will buy mid-price range transfers right at the end of the window, in the mistaken belief that he can still spot the Anelkas, Vieiras, Henrys and Petits. He can't. Imho, this is because his judgement of players is no longer what it was. Arsenal now buy the likes of Gervinho, Mertesacker and Andre Santos.

Then in the subsequent season, he will tell the press that he has bid for big name players in the past (like he mentioned Beckham last season) but couldn't afford the wages. There is, imho, NO REASON BENEFICIAL TO ARSENAL that he would say this. Let's face it, he may as well be saying 'We cannot afford decent wages, please bigger clubs, come and buy our better players, such as Vermaelan, Sagna and Walcott (it should tell you a great deal that Walcott is now one of our best players. That's how far Arsenal have fallen in recent seasons). Imho, the only reason Wenger would say this is to perpetuate the myth that he is a great manager, he just does not have money to spend. He does have money. He always does. Arsenal have the highest priced season tickets in Britain. Arsenal have sold off the properties on Highbury Square (after initial difficulties). Arsenal make record profits every year. It's a joke and a bad joke at that.

Wenger has NEVER liked spending money. His record signing is still Arshavin (or maybe Reyes, but for some reason it is still unclear how much they paid for him). The difference is, he cannot spot the lower value transfers with great potential anymore. Therefore he is unable to assemble a great team. This means that, as long as Wenger remains manager of Arsenal, the club are in an on going decline. For Arsenal to improve, one thing need to change - the manager. It's time to say au revoir Mr Wenger, I'm afraid.