Thus far this summer, the only addition is Sanogo, a talented U20 French NT forward. Despite this sole addition, one should also look at key departures; Squillaci, Santos, Djourou, Denilson, etc. A whole list of players that have clogged up the books for some time are now gone, with a few more to follow. This shows you that the club is undergoing a “trimming of the fat” that was much needed but also paramount so that big signings could take place.

Come on, admit it. You never thought it was going to happen. You see the names we’re linked with and you still rub your eyes to make sure you’re seeing right or checking the page you’re looking at to see if that bid had one too many zeros on it.

Make no mistake, there will be spending and there will be “big names” that will come into the fold. The problem now is that it’s not happening at the pace everyone would like. You have to think though, that bigger deals take longer to close. We’re not talking about 12m€ deals any more, the players we’re after are 25m€+ and those types of negotiations take time, unless you have a bottomless bank account from which to negotiate.

To be an Arsenal supporter these past few years has instilled a necessity for patience. Sometimes it’s really hard to ask a person that has been patient and has been promised progress, to be more patient. That’s what’s happening now, this time the difference is instead of years, we’re talking weeks.

Thus far this summer, the only addition is Sanogo, a talented U20 French NT forward. Despite this sole addition, one should also look at key departures; Squillaci, Santos, Djourou, Denilson, etc. A whole list of players that have clogged up the books for some time are now gone, with a few more to follow. This shows you that the club is undergoing a “trimming of the fat” that was much needed but also paramount so that big signings could take place.

Lest we forget one important detail, for the first time in many years, Arsenal will be keeping all the vital players from the year(s) before. No players going on strike or penning letters to the fans to force moves. No selling out of necessity. As a result there is a real sense of “team” from this group.

Arsenal is also actively looking to strengthen the squad in the key areas and looking to spend big in doing so. One only has to look as far as the bids for Suarez to understand that Arsene is serious about surging forward. Add to that the links to names like Fellaini, Bernard, Bender, etc. all give a sense that things are really happening.

So, as Arsenal fans should we be reserved, hopeful, or incensed given past summers where our hopes have been dashed? I for one feel optimistic that the club will come through with big signings but also efficient players that can do a job at certain positions. I think we’ll break the transfer record at least twice and will surge into contention, for real, on all fronts this year.

After summers gone by that we were let down both by the club and the players, AFC look to be turning the corner to re-capture past glory, and those of us that have been patient, will be rewarded for keeping the faith. Let’s be patient just a bit longer, make no mistake, it’s happening.

UTA! COYG!