Arsene Wenger fought a beleaguered 2016-17 season as for the first time in his tenure he missed the top 4 and subsequently his team will play Europa League football for the first time in ages. He did of course rescue last season by winning the FA Cup over rivals Chelsea which sort up made up for the campaign somewhat.

As Arsene Wenger agreed another 2 year deal to stay at Arsenal the thoughts of many were that the Frenchman would be given a transfer budget to rival all the big clubs in Europe as the Emirates hierarchy seemed ready to truly splash the cash on a bunch of truly world class players.

Players like Monaco’s Kylien Mbappe, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic were linked as well as Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez.

Well so far Wenger has signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for £47.7million and added Sead Kolasinac on a free from Schalke as well as Joel Campbell and Wojciech Szczesny returning from loans. Man United have spent over £150million, Chelsea have spent over £125million and Man City have spent over £215million – how can Arsenal keep up if they don’t spend.

Where are the other signings? Let’s be honest two additions with one a free transfer is hardly a squad overhaul. Wenger needs to pull his finger out and chase the likes of van Dijk, Drinkwater And Gueye.

Why not chase Riyad Mahrez who would love to come to the Emirates if only the Gunners would pay the going rate. William Carvalho is another player who could make a big difference but again the board won’t stump up.

Sadly it looks like the same old story – too many well-paid players at the Emirates and a stubborn manager who will not change his ways.