It is June 14th and Arsenal find themselves under ever-increasing scrutiny from a portion of the fanbase who are getting equally as frustrated over a lack of business so far. The transfer window opened just four days ago but the business of other sides combined with the daily demand for updates without seeing too much movement is having a serious impact on the mood.
Is it justifiable to be angry, perhaps that is too strong, let’s say irritated with the lack of business so far? Based on previous seasons and a record of Arsenal going deep into the window to get business done I would say there’s justification for concern and worry.
However, the difference between signing a player say today and two weeks from now is negligible. Preseason doesn’t start until the end of the month with the first match on the 8th of July.
READ MORE: Why Arsenal have decided to try to sign Youri Tielemans instead of Yves Bissouma
So why build up so much emotion and dread when we haven’t yet reached a stage where it has an impact on our upcoming season? I personally cannot give a reason for that and therefore I sit remaining calm about Arsenal’s summer plans.
The club has clearly got two primary targets in mind: Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus. According to the latest reports, the Gunners are in pole position for both players whilst the pair have been away with their national sides.
With Belgium, Tielemans himself has explained his future will be decided after completing his role with the national team. He also opened the door to a potential move with his comments.
"But of course, you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career, and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way.
"You need to stay calm. I'm good where I am. I still have a year left on my contract. I'm not in a rush. When you change clubs, you don't change just to change. You change because there is a great project on the table.
"For a player, the most important thing is to play. It'll be up to me to make the right decision regarding my future this summer, but now, I'm relaxed and focusing on the Red Devils."
Whilst The Telegraph reported this morning that Arsenal continue to lead the chase to sign Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian also said from the Tuesday last week, that he would begin to assess what is best for his future.
“I’m looking to see what’s best for me and above all, for my career. From Tuesday, we’ll see what is the best,” said Jesus after the 5-1 win over South Korea.
The two main targets for Arsenal this summer are about to have their futures decided in the coming weeks. It begs the question of what the difference will be between Arsenal signing a player today or in a couple of weeks’ time.
Logistically it changes next to nothing with players due to return for pre-season at the end of the month. Therefore, I will reserve my right to be critical when the time comes that would deem the window to have not gotten off to a good start.
Should we begin to move into July having not completed the priority signings we need, that is when the criticism will be due. But now, it is simply far too soon. I’ll save my energy until then, and I sincerely hope we aren’t in July worrying that we’ve not yet made a signing.
It is fair to say the actions of clubs like Tottenham and Liverpool are certainly largely to blame for the furore. However, the signing of players we were not in for or couldn't sign should not dictate our anger at what could still be a very successful window.
