Bendtner and Squillaci on their way out; Thoughts on Wenger's Interview

Arsene Wenger has given his first full interview to Arsenal.com since last season and there are a few interesting bits. It feels like an eternity since the last bit of factual information was given and even then we cannot be sure that Arsene isn't bluffing. Anyway, here are the more important parts of his interview:

"We have been in the Champions League for 15 years now and I believe that shows that our model works," he said. But, on the other hand we are very ambitious, we want as well to win trophies.

“It's not enough just to be in the Champions League and we are focused on that of course. We work very hard to make the team stronger.” 

The fact that we have been so consistent for a decade and a half justifies Arsenal's philosophy, but we must remember that for at least 5-7 years after Arsene took over, he had inherited one of the best defensive units in Premier League history. In the last 7 seasons, the undoubted problem has been the lack of silverware. While qualifying for the Champions League is vital, winning trophies should still be the aim. In the first 7 seasons, we had leaders (and stacks of them) and we had the winning mentality that is so important. For the last 7 seasons, we have lacked exactly those things. The likes of Henry, Viera, Campbell, Petit, Adams and others had all gone in a relatively small space of time. It was a transition from the Invincibles to Arsene's new youth policy. The policy was and is still not a bad one, in fact it is an admirable one. The problem with ours has been the lack of know how and experience to help and guide the younger players. Last season we saw a bit of a change from Arsene. He bought in the youth of Chamberlain, Miyaichi, Campbell and Jenkinson but also bought in the more experienced players in Benayoun, Santos, Gervinho, Arteta and Mertesacker. 
This season we have brought in the super experienced Podolski to go with the relatively experienced Giroud. Lessons look to have been learned on that front.

"It's important to respect that so before we get players in we have to get some players out. That has not happened yet, the market is very quiet. 

"I cannot tell you anything concrete about the situation [regarding those who might leave] because if they are not finding clubs they will stay here and be players of the squad. At the moment I cannot give you any concrete or clear indication."

That sounds less encouraging. I find it hard to believe that someone who is aiming to challenge for the Champions League and the League is willing to keep players such as Chamakh, Park and Squillaci if they do not find clubs. I would sooner release them from their contracts and pay them the difference. I know that may not be the solution but keeping them would impact the squad in 2 ways.
1: they stay and reduce the quality of the squad.
2: they take up room in the squad and therefore prevent signings which will help strengthen the squad.


Its positive that Arsene realises that the squad isn't complete and that it will still take 2-3 players to be able to compete. Names such as Santi Cazorla, Fernando Llorente etc.. have been linked but more on that later.
Its interesting that Bendtner and Squillaci have been left out of the squad to face Asia. This indicates that they are not in Arsene's plans going into next season and are free to find a club. Robin Van Persie has been left behind as he lacks fitness, as has Mertesacker, Podolski, Giroud, Koscielny. Sagna, Wilshere, Rosicky, Diaby are all injured or in rehab and most surprisingly of all, Diaby is 'fit and raring to go'.


There are a lot of rumours involving Arsenal this morning:


Nicklas Bendtner is being targeted by AC Milan and Galatasaray. He is valued at 7.5mil which is a bit over the top, but I'll be happy if we get that for him. 
Robin Van Persie wanted to go on the Asia tour but Arsene denied him the opportunity. Weird story which contrasts all the midweek EXCLUSIVES. Its also quite encouraging from Arsene. Its better to have him out of the way and as far as possible from the rest of our players and to prepare for next season without him.
Caen want more than 6mil for M'Baye Niang, the 17 year old whiz-kid from France. I don't mind spending some money on him, we have already bought 2 experienced strikers. He wouldn't affect the squad size either. 
According to an ESPN source, we are interested in signing Ganso. We need an attacking midfielder as Jack Wilshere will be out until September or October, and probably won't be match fit until November.
We are also interested in Santi Cazorla according to the Mirror. Quality player and available for 15mil, would be an excellent addition.


That's about it this morning.


'Till Tomorrow