At the end of May / beginning of June, it must have been an absolutely brilliant time to be an Arsenal fan. For the first time in so-many years they seemed to have cash to spend and a boardroom willing to spend it.
We were all hearing how next season was the season they would rise once again as title-contenders, as the London club was linked with almost every world-class star on the market.
But now, almost in a matter of days rather than weeks, it seems every single player of interest are hastily slipping out of Arsenal's reach.
Lets look at the five players they have most strongly been linked to (excluding David Villa as his move to Atletico Madrid was finalised a while ago); Christian Benteke, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Cesc Fabregas.
Lets look at them in that order...
So Christian Benteke. In part he is the embodiment of what Arsenal need; a young, strong and talented forward whose direct approach would improve Arsenal's attacking prowess dramatically. He put in a transfer request, looked set for North London (in the form of either Spurs or The Gunners), but has now removed his transfer request and looks set the stay at Villa.
Wayne Rooney. Arsene Wenger has openly admitted his admiration for the want-away star. But there seems to be an air of hesitation about making a move for the Liverpudlian and Chelsea are the definite frontrunners for capturing him, if Manchester United allow a move.
Luis Suarez. Okay, we can admit that Wenger has been a bit more forthcoming with his desire to get this man's signature - he has already seen two bids turnt down by Liverpool. Suarez wants to leave Liverpool, but is it really for Arsenal? Real Madrid seem like that are just biding their time and letting The Gunners ruffle some feathers at Anfield before they pounce.
Gonzalo Higuain. For the past four, three, two weeks it has seemed that the deal for the Argentine was a shoe-in. However, Arsenal are now holding things up as they wait to see what happens in regards to Suarez - meaning Real Madrid have driven up their asking-price and Napoli has now been able to court the forward. Plus, Arsenal seem reluctant to pay anymore than £23m for the player - Real want £30m.
That leaves Cesc Fabregas. It has been Manchester United that have been making the bids for the Spaniards so far, but Arsenal still have first refusal on the player. And if they do not capture any of their main targets then there is no doubt they would not mind Cesc back at The Emirates. Only thing is, Barcelona have once again stated this morning that Fabregas is not for sale.
Arsenal's campaign next season definitely depends on what business they do this summer, as they need some major improvement to the squad if they are to contend at all.
Wenger's hesitation may be costly and many Arsenal fans may be left looking back of this summer as one of missed opportunities.
Regardless, there still is plenty of time for Arsene and Arsenal as the transfer window does not close until over a month. But be sure, fans will want some business to be done very soon...
