It is hard to pick holes in your arguments in this piece.

I think, however, that one issue you address – the lack of pace in wide positions is a symptom of a more fundamental reality about how this Arsenal has changed compared to the Invincibles (or even the ’98-2000 vintage for that matter).

Namely, the Invincibles stood off teams, did not press, invited them forward whereby they could recover the ball in deep areas and then launch those devastating counter attacks. This Arsenal (from about 2009 onward) play a much more static if elaborate game, parked inside the opponent’s half – an approach shared with Barcelona.

Arsenal were able to field a steelier if less creative midfield because they played close to the defensive line and the wide-midfielders were the playmakers (much in the Brazilian fashion of 4-2-2-2, or similarly to Villarreal today) would move inside to compensate.

You could argue I suppose that even just seven years ago the Premier league was a different species of animal; teams, even mid-to-lower table fodder played in a much more open manner, gifting Arsenal space between the lines, whereas nowadays the Gunners are almost obliged to draw teams out.

To replicate the Invincibles’ style would entail not just a change in formation, i.e., dropping one of the three forwards in order to return to the more compact style of yore, but also a change in the entire model of play – sitting deeper, and with false pressing and launching.

But with Wenger already halfway into this latest transition, this new model of play, would he be willing to do a volte-face and go back to his earlier style?
Or would he consider it a defeat?

However I still feel that you’re proposing an unrealistic knee-jerk solution. Arsenal haven’t fallen far short this year and over time this squad is only going to improve, unlike the squads of Chelsea and Man U. Trying to integrate a raft of highly paid superstars egos into the squad is going to be problematic to say the least (do you ever really get the impression that Arshavin is pulling in the same direction as everyone else?) and may well block the development of equally talented youngsters.

Thats assuming that Arsenal can even afford to blithly spend 90 mil, I still dont accept is the case.

I’d also say the financial fair play rules that will come into affect will hugely favour Arsenal as currently I think they are the only team out of the elite european teams (real, barca, mu, chelsea, inter etc) who actually meets these rules already.

1 or 2 signings this summer would help but the 90m suggested is, as you say, pure fantasy.

Although I do think Arsenal need at least 1 but probably 2 or 3 big signings this summer (as you rightly say a centre back, wide player and striker would fit nicely) I don’t think there needs to be a massive overhaul of the squad.

Fabregas should leave because the distraction of Barcelona is clearly affecting his form and the 40-odd million you would receive would be a welcome boost to the transfer kitty. Also, I would say Wilshere is now more than capable of filling in that playmaker role that Fabregas would vacate.

Above all what Arsenal need is a Vieira-type player who can instill a sense of belief and confidence in this young squad that even when things don’t go to plan all is not lost until the final whistle.

PS – If you really think Vela is the answer to your striking problems you really haven’t a clue. On loan spells at WBA and Bolton he as looked mediocre at best. I think Man Utd got the better of the young Mexican strikers. Instead of kicking Bendtner to the curb, you might want to think about selling Vela, if anyone will have him.

Making a side capable of holding onto a win or having a better defensive strategy could be the different between 2nd and 1st.

Arsenal Report have an interesting piece talking about the Wenger 10 year plan and adds alot of a positive gunners tinted glasses on it. But very interesting nevertheless.

I was recently doing a post on the Belgium national side and one thing struck me straight away was how good one Fellaini would be for Arsenal. He wouldn’t come cheap costing Everton £15m and he is better with Premier League experience it be hard to get him for a reasonable price. But he is a presence in the air that will help out the central defenders. Great touch and can move the ball forward.

Fellaini and a fit Vermaelan for a season would vastly improve this Arsenal side.

I do feel he needs a change in policy though. Every year for the past 3 injuries have destroyed any chance of silverware in Feb/March. Quite simply we need a bigger squad and those who come in to replace injured first team players need to be good enoguh to do so. Not the likes of Denilson or Rosicky.

Yes Arsenal made a loss this year. Of less than £3M. An average matchday at The Emirates generates over £2M and we had two less home games this fiscal year than the last so it’s hardly like the loss means we can’t spend money considering the size of our cash reserves as well as the insistence of everyone at the club that there is money there to spend.

“To do this will cost upwards of 90m, money Wenger will not spend”

Or try money Arsenal don’t have? A company that made a loss in the last six months cannot afford to blithly splash out 90 million.

“especially considering all their rivals in the Premier League are going to have the money to do so in the summer, as well as managers willing to spend that money.”

What really? With Man City needing to wind down spending to meet Fair Play rules, Man U crippled by debt, Chelsea having just shed 70 mil, and Spurs likely pulling in the purse strings due to not qualifying for the CL?

This so-called ‘solution’ is pure fantasy. Do you play Football Manager much by any chance? Arsenal fans need to give their heads and shake and marvel at the fact that in this age of ridiculously inflated transfer fees they still have a manager who miraculously delivers CL qualifciation and challenges for tropies year on year without breaking the bank, and does it playing open attacking football. Wenger is an extraordinary manager and those fans spoiled by his successs to the point where they are actually calling for his head want shooting. Believe me it’ll be a dark day for Arsenal when he leaves, and I wouldn’t be surprised if not long afterwards the fan pine for the days when Arsenal were still involved at the highest level of domestic and European competition.