Arsene Wenger may not spend any of Adebayor and Toure’s £40 million
Arsene Wenger may not spend any of Adebayor and Toure’s £40 million
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stands firm on his squad’s strength and capabilities in the upcoming season despite losing two important players in Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure. The pair left the Emirates for Manchester City earlier this month to the tune of a combined £40 million. After Adebayor’s transfer many rumours started to circle involving a possible replacement for the Togo international in the Arsenal attack, weeks later they remain as mere rumours.
Kolo Toure’s departure has recently been revealed to have been lined up for months. The Ivorian defender told reporters, “There was some talk about coming here. It’s from six months ago.” Wenger has tried to brace his squad for the imminent transfer of Toure ever since the 28-year-old submitted a transfer request in January. The Gunners’ gaffer signed 23-year-old Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen for £10.5 million in an attempt to shore up the Arsenal back line.
Arsenal’s newest signing has impressed and gained the respect of many of his new teammates. Vermaelen’s defensive partner Bacary Sagna is looking forward to playing alongside the Belgain international this season. “He has a good left foot, he is a good passer and I am happy to see him in the team,” said Sagna.
Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin also believes that the Belgian will be a useful addition the the defence this season to replace Toure. “He’s really quite good… but it’s difficult for him to immediately replace one of the pillars of our defence,” said Arshavin.
Although Vermaelen will add to the North London side’s defence, Arshavin hopes that Wenger will use at least part of this summer’s profits to add more depth and security to the back line. “After the departure of Kolo Toure, our main focus in the transfer market will most likely be on a defender rather than a forward,” said Arshavin.
Arsenal’s £15 million January acquisition has defended Adebayor’s transfer to Manchester City, he said, “Adebayor is a great striker, but if he decided he must leave, it would have been silly to keep him.”
Arshavin has warned of the latent efficaciousness of Manchester City and the potential threat of Mark Hughes side to the precarious top four next season. Arshavin said, Manchester City have clearly strengthened… I won’t say they will claim the title, but they are in good shape to to dilute the Big Four.”
Wenger has defended not immediately replacing Toure or Adebayor by stressing the strengths of his youthful squad. “In England people think that all the problems can be sorted out by buying players. I believe the biggest target is to work hard in training, improve what we can improve and have confidence in the players that we have,” said Wenger.
The Arsenal manger did not completely rule out bringing in another player, just stating that any signing would be cautious and only if it was necessary. The frenchman added, "If we need to add then we will. We have money available so for us it is now important to spend it in the right way when we do it or if we do it.”
In the past week Arsenal have been linked with their former captain Patrick Vieira as the French midfielder looks to leave Inter Milan and make a surprise return to the Premier League.
