If <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL09yZ2FuaXNhdGlvbnMvU3BvcnRzIHRlYW1zL0VuZ2xpc2ggUHJlbWllciBMZWFndWUgZm9vdGJhbGwgdGVhbXMvQXJzZW5hbA==" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL09yZ2FuaXNhdGlvbnMvU3BvcnRzIHRlYW1zL0VuZ2xpc2ggUHJlbWllciBMZWFndWUgZm9vdGJhbGwgdGVhbXMvQXJzZW5hbA==">Arsenal</a>'s summer could be summarised in a match, this is how it might go: After a bold, positive start, they moved into the lead. Then came the concession, a seismic blow to their self-esteem as well as their chances. Finally, the late winner imbued them with renewed optimism. Two-one winners, they emerge triumphant. Except, of course, that buys, sales and other transfer market statements do not equate to goals. Yet this has been a summer of three phases, the positive parts sandwiching an all too familiar negativity. To rewind, <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9BcnNlbmUgV2VuZ2Vy" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9BcnNlbmUgV2VuZ2Vy">Arsene Wenger</a> began with unusual urgency. The early recruitment of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud stood in stark contrast with the desperate, last-minute search for signings in August 2011. A winger with a century of caps – not to mention the best part of 50 goals – for Germany and a striker who had top-scored in the French league brought proven pedigree, rather than the unrealised potential of many of Wenger’s choices. Then came July 4. On a day noted for another declaration of independence, Robin van Persie provided evidence of his own intention to break free, announcing he would not sign another contract at Emirates Stadium and <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL09yZ2FuaXNhdGlvbnMvU3BvcnRzIHRlYW1zL0VuZ2xpc2ggUHJlbWllciBMZWFndWUgZm9vdGJhbGwgdGVhbXMvTWFuY2hlc3RlciBVbml0ZWQ=" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL09yZ2FuaXNhdGlvbnMvU3BvcnRzIHRlYW1zL0VuZ2xpc2ggUHJlbWllciBMZWFndWUgZm9vdGJhbGwgdGVhbXMvTWFuY2hlc3RlciBVbml0ZWQ=">Manchester United</a> on Wednesday night revealing a deal has been made for the striker, subject to medical and personal terms. At a stroke, this became Groundhog Summer, the sequel to the troubled 2011, when long, damaging sagas concluded with the departures of <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9DZXNjIEZhYnJlZ2Fz" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9DZXNjIEZhYnJlZ2Fz">Cesc Fabregas</a> and <a href="gopher://topicL3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9TYW1pciBOYXNyaQ==" inlink="topic::L3RoZW5hdGlvbmFsL1Blb3BsZS9TcG9ydC9Gb290YmFsbC9TYW1pciBOYXNyaQ==">Samir Nasri</a>. Twelve months on, another of the prodigal sons had outgrown Arsenal. But lessons have been learnt with both the deal not being left to deadline day and replacements having been brought in early. And at a stroke, before they had struck a ball in anger, Arsenal's arrivals were rebranded as evidence of downgrading. Instead of being capable adjutants to the overworked Van Persie in attack, Podolski and Giroud looked tasked with the impossible job, replacing the most influential footballer in the country last season. Pessimism can be contagious among the Arsenal support and, after last summer's sales of Nasri and Fabregas, negativity became entrenched. They were being relegated to the second division of the top six, becoming a deluxe feeder club. Yet such conclusions were rendered rather simplistic by August's arrival of Santi Cazorla. In an instant, some of the doubters were won over again. If not enough to bring a rethink from Van Persie, the signing of the Spaniard was a game changer. At £16.5 million (Dh94.9m), he represents a club record buy. The millions Wenger has long squirrelled away are being spent. At 27, he has experience in abundance. For a crowd frustrated by the callowness of their side, the choice of three men near the peak of their powers - Giroud, almost 26, is the youngest - is encouraging. Teenage teams have not been so hard to beat. Arsenal required know-how. As a World Cup winner, Cazorla has a trophy cabinet, something many of his new colleagues have never needed. Famously, it is seven years since Arsenal last lifted silverware, although only three months since Giroud's Montpellier were crowned the champions of France. And, just as importantly, Cazorla seems a natural fit. Accusations of panic buying were common last August, but the former Malaga man could prove the belated successor to either Fabregas or Nasri. Wenger, naturally, used the word "quality" in discussing Cazorla. The other significant factor, however, is quantity. While Arsenal were branded a one-man team last season, they also appeared an 11-man squad: Wenger had little in reserve, with the vast gulf between Van Persie and his deputies, Marouane Chamakh and Park Chu-young, symbolising the lack of alternatives. Even with the Dutchman's probable departure, an equation of three in, one out among blue-chip players gives greater options. It also means that the underachievers who had lingered in North London have come a step closer to being given their marching orders. Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Park look likely to leave. Carlos Vela and Manuel Almunia have already gone. Admittedly, Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci still remain but the summer can still be seen as a statement of intent. Truth be told, however, Wenger has only addressed one department of the team. Last season was notable for disorganisation and individual errors at the back and a defence that was breached 49 times last season, more than 13th-placed Sunderland, remains far from watertight. Personnel changes will come from the existing cast, although Arsenal are entitled to expect Thomas Vermaelen, Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna to be fit for rather more of the season. There is also a reshuffle behind the scenes. The hope is that the appointment of Steve Bould, one of George Graham's famously well-drilled back four, as Wenger's assistant will help Arsenal defend like it is 1999. Nostalgia is a growth industry and every campaign without a trophy brings more change comparisons with the glory days of 1998, 2002 and 2004, fans growing misty eyed about not just Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp but more prosaic talents like Bould. Since 2005, Arsenal have been trapped in repetition. To some, it is qualified failure. To many others, especially considering the finances, qualified success. Every year, without fail, they qualify for the Champions League. Every year, they fail to bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium. It is North London's version of Groundhog Day. And when Van Persie, like Fabregas and Nasri, like Henry and Patrick Vieira before him, eyed pastures new, it did seem like Groundhog Summer. But then Cazorla came and Arsenal have entered the unknown. For once, they have been bold buyers. Perhaps this year it will be different. Maybe, just maybe, they are on the up again. Because the green shoots of optimism are evident. Follow us
