Arsenal: Transfer Window Depression In David Dein’s Absence

Arsenal’s transfer woes are frequently pinned solely on the shoulders of Arsene Wenger, but the absence of David Dein may have just as much impact.

It’s been a grim summer for Arsenal supporters with many fans already showing recurring signs of semi-annual transfer window depression. With the early signing of Granit Xhaka, and no shortage of funds, Arsenal initially looked poised for an exciting summer. The passage of time, however, has proved just the opposite as fans have yet again been left frustrated and disappointed with the club’s efforts.

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Arsenal’s failed transfer record has to spur questions and criticism about the club’s vision and competency in regards to making signings as they continue, season after season, to flood the headlines with stories of reported interest and failed bids. While most attribute issues to the presence of Arsene Wenger, I want to start by looking at the absence of another, David Dein.

Appointed as vice-chairman of Arsenal in 1983, Dein’s absence has been noted by many since his departure in 2007. While Dein was credited with a wide variety of improvements at Arsenal during his tenure, he was most instrumental in recruiting, signing, and negotiating with key talent.

It was Dein after all who, in 1996, urged the board to hire a mostly unknown manager, then-coaching in Japan, Arsene Wenger. It was also Dein who flew to Milan to sign Dennis Bergkamp in 1995, not to mention Patrick Vieira a year later. Under Dein’s guidance, Arsenal strategically targeted, and seemed generally successful in acquiring key talent, as the club amassed a roster of prolific footballers.

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In Dein’s absence, however, Arsenal has not seemed to fair so well. Between Arsene Wenger, and the club’s chief contract negotiator, Dick Law, it seems that the club lacks both focus and execution.

This summer, like the last, has seen Arsenal show interest in a slew of foreign and domestic talent, without ever putting enough dedication or resources into successfully acquiring any of it. We’ve seen this in the failed signing of Jamie Vardy, a failed bid for Lacazette, and rumors of failed bids for Mahrez and Higuain. It’s an all too familiar story for fans, as the club bounces from opportunity to opportunity.

This has been the difference in the years since Dein’s absence. While the Arsenal of old isolated their targets, and were often successful in acquiring them. The club today doesn’t seem to have as clear a vision, nor as effective an approach. As their premier league neighbors explicitly target players, and do what’s necessary to acquire them (as United has with their acquisition of Ibrahimovic, and perhaps Pogba), Arsenal works behind closed doors, making a flurry of mostly unsuccessful bids to names across countries, leagues, and age groups.

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With little success, and no clear strategy, fans are left hoping the club’s management are not as in the dark as they are, as the club approaches this season with a starting XI mostly identical to the last.