My headline would have seemed absurd, a year ago, when Arsene Wenger persuaded Cesc Fabregas not to quit a team that was on the verge of fulfilling its potential, both in the Premiership and the Champions League.
What a difference a year makes; Arsenal are now finding it difficult to hang on to their stars, leave alone attract new players to the side. Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy are on the way out. While Walcott could join the list, Arshavin is also said to be unhappy.
SEASON 3 PREMIERE
The only person who sounds remotely optimistic about the fortunes of the club, in the coming season, is Arsene Wenger, who says no transfer moves have been finalised yet, with every club waiting for the others to act first. But the facts seem otherwise, when you consider that Manchester United have firmed their offer to Alexis Sanchez, and Tottenham have made offers to Luca Modric and Gareth Bale, to keep them from flying to warmer climes, just to quote two instances. Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are also showing some urgency, as they go about making their summer moves.
Wenger has been credited with running a tight ship and getting the best return on his investment in players. Unlike small teams that are compelled to dispose of players to raise resources to buy new ones, the big guns invest on new players, without having to worry about resources. But Arsenal have been reduced to selling some of their best players because those players want to leave. And they are unable to buy new ones not because they don't have the resources but because nobody seems to want to join them.
The bigger clubs focus on European competition, when they grade players. To do well in the Champions League, they need great players, and not just good ones. Teams attract great players when they already have some on their roster. The reverse also applies, as, for instance, was illustrated in Manchester United's inability to attract star players in the aftermath of Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid, a couple of seasons ago.
The departure of Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy, when it transpires - will leave Arsenal's midfield bereft of creativity, and Wenger will find it hard to plug the gap with players not possessing the same level of talent. Worse, such an exodus of talent will leave Wenger vulnerable to rival clubs when he makes a move in the transfer market, such as his current wooing of Darren Cahill from Bolton.
That said, Wenger is likely to be more successful in respect of transfer bids for younger, albeit less known, players, such as Lille striker Gervinho. On the flip side, young players are likely to view a season with Arsenal as a CV-enhancing move, rather than a long-term commitment.
After six trophy-less years, Wenger's own credibility is suspect, whether with senior players or the club management. With a new owner, Stan Kroenke, at the helm, Wenger's future - like Arsenal's - seems hard to foretell.
English Premier League 2011-12: The Decline And Fall Of Arsenal? SEASON 3 PREMIERE
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