Arsenal ended the transfer window without signing a single outfield player, and this has left many fans unhappy with the club.
The Gunners did manage to bring Petr Cech in from Chelsea, and the goalkeeper could be key to their chances of challenging for the Premier League title. However, it will take some doing for them to beat Manchester City, who have made a lightning start to the season by winning their first four games without conceding a goal.
Here is all the news as they go in to the international break…
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Arsenal transfer news
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5) Arsene Wenger defends lack of spending
The manager has defended his lack of spending in the transfer window, claiming that there weren’t any players available to improve his team, according to the Daily Express.
“Am I happy with the investment I make? Yes, every time. I bought Sánchez, I bought Özil, I bought Cech, I bought Gabriel last year,” he said, “But when you have to invest you have to find the players to invest in. The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantee you are a better team afterwards.”
4) Zlatan Ibrahimovic denies interest
After rumours flying on deadline day, the Sweden international has denied that the Gunners were ever interested in signing him, reports the Daily Mirror.
When asked if the North London outfit were interested, he said: “No, so the interest that existed, I have not committed myself to.
“It is [agent] Mino [Raiola] who takes care of the pieces. When I give notice that I want something to happen I get involved. But this summer I have been resting up, I enjoyed the holiday.”
3) Supporters trust demand inquiry
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust has called on the club to perform a full review of their summer transfer business, reports Yahoo Sport.
Their statement read: “Arsenal are in a strong financial position and it is of course disappointing that (the) transfer window has closed with just the signing of Petr Cech.
“Arsenal have built a strong squad and just one or two more good additions would have strengthened the chances of winning a first title in 11 years. No one wants Arsenal to buy players just for the sake of it, but we do want to see the money being invested to make the club stronger.
“This isn’t an issue that affects just one transfer window and seems to indicate a wider structural issue. We urge the board to now open a full review into its arrangements for scouting and purchasing players. A review of this type is a good governance practice and can only help Arsenal to become a stronger club. The AST will be raising this with the Arsenal board.”
2) Theo Walcott backs himself up front
After the North London side’s inability to sign a new striker, the England international has backed himself to fulfil the role [Metro].
“I’ve shown the manager what I can do on the left, right and centre,” said Walcott, “It’s obviously well documented that I want to play up front but there’s a lot of competition for places here. I will do my best in any position when I am given the opportunity to play for this club. I will always be judged on goals and assists but I feel like I would score a lot of goals up front.”
1) Wenger makes dig at Manchester United
The 65-year-old has taken aim at the Red Devils for the £36 million fee that they paid AS Monaco for Anthony Martial, reports the BBC.
“The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantee you are a better team,” said the Frenchman, “What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80 million euros – Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship – that sums it up well.
“That means it’s not the money that’s missing at the moment, it’s not the desire of investment that is missing, it’s the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.”