Arsenal fans to hold protests over Wenger’s transfer deadline-day inactivity

It’s rather predictable.

Arsene Wenger is known for being cautious in the market and, as the weeks went past, it became increasingly obvious Arsenal wouldn’t do any more business.

In fairness, if they had signed Cech later in the window, their fans might have been happier. But they became frustrated, fed-up and jealous of other clubs spending as the window dragged on.

Furthermore, Arsenal did make moves for top strikers in the window.

Karim Benzema was on their radar but never, ever got past first base.

People got carried away about a deal which was just not on. Real Madrid didn’t want to sell, Benzema was in no rush to leave and Arsenal did not want to pay crazy money — and it would have been crazy money to buy the France international.

Similarly, they did make calls - including one in the last few days - about Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.

But, again, Arsenal didn’t want to pay £50m for a player who is 28 and so has no sell-on value.

Could they have done more? Well, yes.

Last year, they signed Alexis Sanchez on July 10 having put in the groundwork from very early on.

The year before there was a deadline-day one for Mesut Ozil. But, again, the foundation for that was laid early in the summer and the deal was then resurrected late in the window to get it over the line.

Arsenal did try with star names - but this time it was no-go.

Lots of big clubs were chasing top players who weren’t really available. Striker Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich is another who fits into that category.

Arsenal, in my view, need more than just Cech - as good a signing as he is - to be title contenders.

I fear it’ll be another season of chasing a top four place now they haven’t signed a top-class forward and a holding midfielder.

They needed back-up to, and competition for, front-men Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott. In midfield, they are left totally reliant on Francis Coquelin.

They have a big squad, but lack depth and quality in key areas. We all knew where they needed strengthening from last season.

If Arsenal don’t progress from last season then you can multiply the anger seen on Twitter today by ten come the end of this campaign.

They had a great chance to build on solid foundations and, in my view, you always need a stellar signing every summer to keep up with the rest. If you stand still, you actually go backwards.

The north Londoners have the finances to really push the boat out, but you can’t do crazy business for players who have no sell-on value.

There is big money in the bank - but it will stay there.

That’s a point not lost on the influential Arsenal Supporters’ Trust group. They also call for a review of the club’s scouting structure.

Tim Payton, of the AST, has issued a statement on behalf of the group which read: “Arsenal are in a very strong financial position and it is of course disappointing that the transfer window has closed with just the signing of Petr Cech.

“Arsenal have built a strong squad and just one or two more good additions would have strengthened the chances of winning a first title in eleven years.

“No one wants Arsenal to buy players just for the sake of it, but we do want to see the money club has being invested to make the club stronger. This isn't an issue that affects just one transfer window and seems to indicate a wider structural issue.

“In recent years, Arsenal have overhauled both their academy and their medical set-up. We urge the board to now open a full review into its arrangements for scouting and purchasing players.

“A review of this type is a good governance practice and can only help Arsenal to become a stronger club. The AST will be raising this with the Arsenal Board.

“Now that the window is closed, the squad is as it is. Arsenal have a strong squad that has recently won silverware and we urge all fans to get behind the team over the rest of the season.”