It's difficult to imagine that a summer in which Arsene Wenger managed to bring Alexis Sanchez to the Emirates would be deemed a poor transfer market for the Frenchman, but early signs this season suggest that to be the case. Sanchez has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the Premier League so far, and isn't even the only shrewd signing Wenger made. The signing of Danny Welbeck was seen as somewhat of a booby prize for Arsenal fans initially, but the young striker has quickly demonstrated he can contribute well to Arsenal's pacey front line. Defenders Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers have also proved to be worthwhile additions to Arsenal's compliment of players from the previous season. The issue with this transfer work, however, was that it did not truly see Wenger build on the squad that ended his nine season trophy drought last campaign. The two defensive signings were great to bolster a set of players that were regularly interchangeable last season due to injuries and suspensions, but with their arrival there have been even more departures. Most disappointing of all of these was the decision to let Thomas Vermaelen leave the club to join Barcelona. The player himself obviously wanted to leave to find more game-time, but Arsenal's injury problems this season would certainly have seen Wenger turn to the Belgian rather than force Nacho Monreal out of his comfort zone in Laurent Koscielny's absence. The players Arsenal added this year would have made great additions, but for the most part they were not additions. They have proved to simply be replacements for players who had already left. If he's going to have his side compete for the Premier League crown once again, Wenger needs to add strength to his team with top quality players, not just replace ones he already has when they leave.
Gareth is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff. Interests include film, TV and an unhealthy amount of Spider-Man comics and Killers songs. Expect constant references to the latter two at all times.
Follow on twitter @GJCartwright.
