Arsenal confirmed the £11 million signing of German international Lukas Podolski yesterday, showing they mean business ahead of next season.
The signing was pretty much the worst kept secret in English and German football, but nonetheless it is now official.
After the last minute rush and panic to add numbers to Arsenal’s first team last August, it is no surprise to see the Gunners acting early this summer.
One hugely significant piece of business to wrap up, is tying down star striker Robin van Persie to a long-term deal, with just one year remaining on his current contract.
If you look at the timing of a sequence of events which occurred over the weekend, it looks like Arsenal are doing everything in their power to keep their captain.
After drawing 1-1 with Stoke, via a Van Persie equaliser, manager Arsene Wenger admitted publicly that his striker needs support.
In doing this, he brought attention to what is essentially the Dutchman’s biggest concern, setting aside a lack of silverware.
48 hours later, Arsenal announce the signing of Lukas Podolski, a 26-year-old German international, almost immediately addressing the manager’s concern. Coincidence? Not a chance.
Arsenal have seen so many players leave for pastures new over the years, citing a desire to win trophies and make a step up, most recently Fabregas and Nasri, that they are trying their best to convince their prized asset of their ambition.
Fans will argue this change in tact is long overdue. Arsenal need to be aggressive in the transfer market, not simply reactive and only buying big when they have to replace a star.
Had it got to late June and Arsenal still not signed any players, if Van Persie was still deliberating at that time, which Arsenal fans hope he won’t be, the lack of action could have been a decisive factor in persuading him to go.
Arsenal are trying to make it as difficult as possible for him to leave, by putting all the elements in place for a successful season next year.
Van Persie of course has seen promise of success evaporate at Arsenal before, but he knows the club are close, and watching Cesc Fabregas fall short at Barcelona will simply prove to him there are no guarantees.
It is likely Arsenal could make even more signings in the coming weeks, as they push ahead with their plans, at the same time demonstrating to their captain their clear intent to make an impact next season.
Fans will hope Van Persie keeps the faith. Next season could be an exciting one at the Emirates if he does.
Are Arsenal being shrewd in their early transfer action? Were Wenger’s comments perfectly timed?
image: © sdhansay
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
