Reading between the lines

With Eduardo and Rosicky recently having signed contracts are we watching a changing of transfer policy and evidence that Wenger has finally learnt from mistakes or is it proof that in fact Wenger is steadfastly refusing to adapt his policy to bring us one further step to glory.

In the past players like Mathieu Flamini and Edu left the club after receiving better offers elsewhere. Both players still had plenty to offer our team but Arsenal refused to match their wage demands and, as they were out of contract, they subsequently left for nothing. At the time people wondered why Wenger allowed the players contracts to wind down, why didn't he sign them up and a few months later sell them off when they decided they wanted to go.

In the not so distant past all three of our senior goalkeepers also signed contract extensions. As did the aforementioned Eduardo and Rosicky. If they were all out of contract anytime between now and this time next year their transfer fees would reduce to a nominal sum at best. However now that they are signed up Ivan Gazidis's bargaining position is significantly stronger, any transfer fees generated could go to securing the players our squad so blatantly needs and all those players could see out the season with confidence rather than bringing a cloud over them every time they walked into the dressing rooms. Added to that, should there not be any interest from other clubs in buying the players they can carry on safe in the knowledge they were wanted by Wenger all along and save them having to endure the embarrassment suffered by Philip Senderos in recent months.

The other side of the argument however doesn't fill me with much optimism. It is not too inconceivable to think that Wenger would want to keep all members of his current squad. While I would like to see Eduardo get more consistent game time and Rosicky brings a lot of top flight experience does retaining their services also mean that Wenger is likely to allow Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone more time as our biggest liabilities. Does it also mean that he has learnt nothing from our past failings and if that is the case are we doomed before we start to another season of false hope, broken promises and ultimate disappointment.

The quotes being made by former Arsenal legends Lee Dixon and Bob Wilson suggest that that they are being led to believe that Wenger is looking for a goalkeeper and some defensive minded players. This would be more my kind of information to be hopeful about. The newspapers and internet sites have rarely been correct at second guessing Wengers moves. Why would they start now?

Finally with another season wrapped up the World Cup 2010 is almost upon us. As it stands there is 12 Arsenal players in line to participate with their countries. While this is more than entire team it also means that plenty of other players will get to take some time off, recharge the batteries and help us off to a positive start next August. Amongst them, and almost able to fill and a decent team themselves, are Vermaelen, Sol Campbell, Djourou, Gibbs, Nasri, Arshavin, Wilshere, Rosicky, Eduardo and one could assume Chamakh will all hope to have a big year and in our colours.

My tip if you are having a little flutter is to back some of the less heralded teams to advance to the quarters or semis. The home team generally do well but also keep an eye out for Australia and Serbia. Someone always causes a shock and some teams have little or no hope of advancing beyond the group stages so the field can be narrowed considerably.

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