Arsenal FC and the lack of first-class signings!

Since the end of the season where Arsenal somehow again managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, they have been linked with a variety of top-notch players; which are both ideal, not so costly and definitely bring a lot of talent, potential, and experience to a young Arsenal side.

The likes of Stevan Jovetic, Gonzalo Higuain, Clement Grenier, and most recently linked Mario Gomez are seasoned professionals who are all on the right side of the 20s and will improve any squad they join drastically. Stevan Jovetic wants to join a big club, Gonzalo Higuain has stated he is going to leave Real Madrid, Clement Grenier wanted a move but now that teams have not met his valuation he may stay at Lyon while it is an open secret that Pep Guardiola has limited plans for Mario Gomez.

So, why hasn’t Arsenal made their move yet? The only worthwhile signing from Arsene Wenger's side so far has been another youngster (unsurprisingly) : Yaya Sanogo. Great Potential, Yes! But an overall squad improvement; No, a bright future: Yes, but a definite sign that Arsenal will be fighting for the title: No. If these players are available then why Arsenal does not make their move? Here are a few possibilities why they do not make a move:

        1-  They never make a move for big name players anymore

I was searching through the recent signings made by Wengerl as recent as in the last five years; and I am surprised that the only real big name that pops up there is of Andrei Arshavin; people may have different opinions of him but I am of the opinion that he was not used properly at all. The other big name being Samir Nasri; who found it a bit difficult in the start but then managed to pull it together and go on to enjoy a fantastic season but what happened next is every Arsenal's fan misery. A departure of a fantastic player; again you can have a different opinion but with the way transfers have been going at Arsenal no player has a guarantee when they will win something noticeable or will they win anything at all! The other so called big names are Gervinho, Ramsey, Vermaelen, Koscienly, Arteta and Mertasacker. All of them now have potentially less re-sale value than what they were bought for (Koscienly may be a different case). 

      2- Do big players want to come to Arsenal?

Well the recent trend is the opposite; big names have been leaving Arsenal since the departure of Cesc Fabregas. RvP, Nasri, Clichy have joined Fabregas in the "leave for trophies" band-wagon and yes all of them have won their respective leagues; so it was a wise decision in the end. So, do big names get attracted to Arsenal still? Surprisingly the answer is Yes! There is a host of players who want to join Arsenal because of the club's philosophy and the wizard Wenger who manages the side. Players love to play under such managers because they know they will be better than they were a year ago with Wenger. Higuain stated that he wanted to join Arsenal; interviews of Jovetic have hinted likewise; Grenier has issued potential rally-calls to the Gunners to come and get me; and while Gomez is still pondering once the dust is all settled he may also voice a similar opinion. So, the question beckons why won’t you sign either one of them?

      3-  Finances; Budget; Values; Re-sale; and Salaries

Oh the financial side of things; I nearly forgot that Arsenal are called Misers by opposition set of fans; even an organization or a company rather than a football club which runs of profit rather than glory. I will not go really deep in to the financial mix as it only makes things very complicated. A look at current salary structure, the wages those above mentioned players are taking at their respective clubs, what will be the cost (estimated) of these players be and what can be their re-sale value in three years. Let’s have a look:

Current Salary Structure:

Top five earners: (all are in pounds and are per week)

Lukas Podolski 107k 

Tomas Rosicky 80k

Santi Cazorla 70k

Mikel Arteta 70k

Tomas Vermaelen 70k 

I missed Walcott i know, he is earning somewhere in the 100k region I guess.

Estimated wages for Stevan Jovetic will also be in the region of 100k; which is a major step up from his fiorentina's salary package. Gonzalo Higuain's salary packages is a lot more substantial as he is coming from a rich club like Real Madrid; definitely no club can out do Real Madrid when it comes to finances but a 130k pound a week deal will be sufficient to get his sign on the dotted line. Not to mention the immense upgrade he brings to the squad when compared with the likes of Podolski and Giroud. Greneier's salary is not an issue while Gomez will also be settling for a 120-130k per week income to join a club where he feels more settled. 

Let’s talk about realistic values; how much will Jovetic cost? 25m pounds is what Fiorentia demeands and at his age of mere 23; his re-sale if he enjoys a similar season as he did with Fiorentina will be above 30m in the next summer window. Take the 13 goals in 31 apps he had for Fiorentina added to the potential of the lad; 30m pound is a well-estimated value.

Gonzalo Higuain; valued at 26m pounds is the best of the available options; and it will be a heart-break if they do not get him. For once Arsenal need to give higher wages to someone who deserves and get a sure-shot starter; a potent and lethal striker in; not to mention he is only 25; this is the age when strikers really find their form and go to the next level; may be just may be he end up being the next RvP who actually stays at Arsenal. 

Clement Grenier and Mario Gomez are other options who would also settle for decent salaries if the opportunity to represent Arsenal arrives; but question beckons ; Will Arsenal for a change go for the top players or end up signing more Chamakhs and Gervinhos! 

Only time will tell!