Football FanCast columnist

If there was a League table of the most talked about topics over the summer months, then surely Arsenal and their finances will be riding high.

The scrutiny on the football club has been at a different level this summer, as the media and some fans in fairness have chosen to turn on the board, in the hope to get answers over the clubs financial state. It hasn’t been helped by all the tit for tat, where Wenger comes out and claims one thing only for the board to come out and dismisses it accordingly. It has left supporters somewhat confused, uncertain and in total bemusement.

I have to say that I have always been impressed by Arsenal and the way they go about the business and felt they have been the torch bearers of how clubs should operate. They refuse to bow done to mercenaries, won’t pay top dollar, but you do fear that events in Manchester may well force the club’s hand. In all honesty how can anyone compete alongside that sort of wealth?

I was pleased by Cesc Fabregas’ comments over the weekend, after being linked with City that such a move would represent footballing suicide, but how many players would share that view? Integrity and loyalty in football went out the window when the Bosman ruling came into effect and Arsenal have found out to their cost this summer. Man City can buy anyone; pay them anything and immediately the foundations of the game has been shot to pieces. Arsenal really has two options going forward and one that I’m sure fans are fearful off.

For all of Manchester City’s wealth, Arsenal are in a different stratosphere in terms of size, revenues, history etc. Given a straight choice on a level playing field, then they would move to Arsenal every time. Unfortunately the wage structure, being what it is, will make City the more appealing to the mercenary ways of the modern footballer.

It is a grave shame in all honesty, but unless Arsenal looks to increase their wage ceiling, then they will always be an afterthought. The only other option is that the events at Eastlands will do little but back Wenger’s policy of investing in young hungry players or relative unknowns as the only way the club can succeed or compete. The Frenchman maybe proved right, but history suggests otherwise.

I personally feel that Arsenal have no option but to find a balance between both. Cesc Fabregas may feel a move to City is footballing suicide, but how many of his teammates would share that view.

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