I have heard and read a lot of ex footballers, pundits, journalists criticise Wenger for not stumping the cash for Cahill rather than going for a cheap alternative in Per Mertesacker. I see no reason why anyone would fault Wenger’s judgement on this one. Mertesacker has a wealth of experience which Cahill can only dream of. He has won the Uefa Cup with Werder Bremen, competed in the Champions League and represented his country at the highest level. He has 75 caps for his country, Played 147 Bundesliga

The transfer window slammed shut on Thursday 31st of August at 11pm with some key deadline day purchases at Arsenal. We had 5 shining new players coming into the club in 3 days to add to 4 that were bought earlier in the summer.

I would be shocked to hear people/supporters question the signings made. Wenger in my opinion was absolutely brilliant in this transfer window. Majority of the Players who have come in have come with a huge degree of experience which is what we have lacked for the past few seasons.

I admit we haven’t replaced Cesc and Nasri with the “super super quality” we were all dreaming about but one clear fact is that we have beefed up the squad with players that are willing to prove a point.

The players that have come in are;

Carl Jenkinson

Gervinho

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Joel Campbell

Park Chu Young

Andre Santos

Per Mertesacker

Benayoun

Mikel Arteta

Out of this list only one player(Campbell) went out on loan for failure to get a work permit which in the long run would be good for him and the Arsenal. The remaining eight are either experienced and ready for the battle at hand or full of potential.

I have heard and read a lot of ex footballers, pundits, journalists criticise Wenger for not stumping the cash for Cahill rather than going for a cheap alternative in Per Mertesacker. I see no reason why anyone would fault Wenger’s judgement on this one. Mertesacker has a wealth of experience which Cahill can only dream of. He has won the Uefa Cup with Werder Bremen, competed in the Champions League and represented his country at the highest level. He has 75 caps for his country, Played 147 Bundesliga games for Werder Bremen scoring 12 times. There has also been lots of talk about his pace, which I know he lacks but he makes up for it with his positional sense and clever interventions plus he is also good aerially. I also know lots of Centre Backs that have limited pace e.g Terry, Vidic, Carragher, Samba and even the much talked about Cahill. Wenger though, has to thinker with our formation/high line to get the best out of Mertesacker.

My biggest concern is who partners Vermaelen. I’m a big fan of Koscielny and he has formed a wonderful understanding with my Vermaelen but I see Wenger going with the duo of Mertesacker and Vermaelen. One positive about the arrival of Mertesacker is that we see less of Squillaci.

Another player who I’m glad we got is Mikel Arteta, I know he doesn’t come close to Cesc in talent but truth be told nobody comes close to Cesc in today’s market. What Arteta brings to table is a wealth of Premiership experience, he has made 174 appearances in the Premiership, scoring 28 goals. He is a very technical player, can pick a pass, scores free-kicks and he has a good cross. He comes into the team at the very right age(29yrs) and reduces the creative burden heaped on the shoulders of Wilshere and Ramsey after the sale of our former number 4 and Nasri.

I know we are not as talented as last season mainly because of departures of Cesc and Nasri but we have a stronger bunch of players who are experienced and hungry with a point to prove.

Our season kicks up properly against Swansea at The Emirates, a win at home which is a must would definitely erase the bad memories…… I really can not wait.