Why this could be Arsenal’s greatest transfer window in history

As today spells the official opening of the transfer window, the clamour and speculation will quickly begin to increase (as if it wasn’t high enough already). For Arsenal, if recent trends are anything to go by, this could well be the greatest transfer window in the history of the club.

The increased financial power means Arsenal can finally target and attain some of the world’s elite players. The arrivals of Ozil and Sanchez demonstrated that and this summer is off to a flying start with Petr Cech. If rumours are to be believed, Wenger is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and top class striker, and if he is successful he would have strengthened his side more significantly than he ever has in the past.

As it stands, Wenger’s best ever windows were his very first two in charge at Arsenal, in the summers of 1996 and 1997, probably more so the latter. During that time, the likes of Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars, Remi Garde, Nicolas Anelka and Gilles Grimandi all joined the club and went on to establish themselves in Arsenal history.

The summer of 1999 saw the arrival of king Thierry Henry along with Sylvinho and Lauren. 2000 brought Pires and Wiltord, while the following year in came Toure and Campbell. There are a few more that can be added, but the fact remains that in each of those windows for every big name that joined there was also one or two flops. Have a gander at this brilliant display from Bleacher Report that shows all of Wenger’s transfer dealings until 2013.

I have a feeling that this summer will produce three or four players all of which will be instant hits at the Emirates and go on to have successful Arsenal careers. That to me makes a successful window, and with the money available I see no reason why it can’t happen.

Wenger has reached a point where he no longer has to sell his top stars and can now invest on what he needs as opposed to reconstructing a whole new team. This mean he can be selective and think long and hard before bringing in his recruits. He now simply has to add a few players to the strengthen the core and I think he will do it this summer.

Rumours of the likes of Vidal, Carvalho, Benzema, and Lacazette to follow Cech will have gooners dreaming of what could be. Let’s hope the boss delivers.