Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Ian Wright fears for Arsenal following summer transfer business

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has accused the club of valuing money over results and says he fears the worst for the Gunners if they don't make more major signings.

Wright is among those frustrated with the club after Arsenal's struggles in the transfer market were followed by a 4-3 loss at home against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.

While clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all made several major signings this summer, Arsene Wenger is still searching for a centre-back and a striker after buying midfielder Granit Xhaka in May.

And Wright said the club's lack of spending is taking away the fun of being an Arsenal supporter, especially as they have to watch their main rivals strengthen.

"Which is why I would ask the powers-that-be at the Emirates to remember one crucial thing -- football may be a business but it is still supposed to be an entertainment too," Wright wrote in his weekly column in The Sun.

"Yes, we all know these days it is about profits and balance sheets. But that cannot be at the total exclusion of everything else. Speculate to accumulate? There is not a great deal of the former at Arsenal. And unless they are prepared to do so, you really do fear the worst."

While Arsenal are in talks with Valencia about a deal for Shkodran Mustafi, their failure to sign a defender so far resulted in Wenger having to start Premier League debutant Rob Holding alongside 21-year-old Calum Chambers at centre-back on Sunday.

Alexis Sanchez started up front as Olivier Giroud was rested and no new striker has been brought in.

"We should be talking about new faces, new challenges, maybe even a title at the end of it all. But optimism around the Emirates already seems as hard to find as a marquee signing," Wright said.

"I remember when they signed the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars and the real sense of excitement that brought to the place. And not just among fans. Star name arrivals get the players buzzing too because they make your job easier and you're more likely to finish with a medal or two. But at Arsenal that feeling is simply not there."

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