Arsenal: Stan Kroenke must back Unai Emery

Unai Emery, Sven Mislintat and the Arsenal management have proven themselves capable, in the summer transfer window and in this season so far. It is now time, therefore, for Stan Kroenke to back them.

It has been beyond doubt that Unai Emery has hit the nail on the head with his first five signings since taking the reigns at the Emirates. Each of them has proven pivotal in one way or another.

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Sokratis has provided stability in the backline, Stephan Lichsteiner a much-needed backup and a leader in the dressing room, a gem of a player in Matteo Guendouzi, a now-starter between the sticks in Bernd Leno. And I think it will not put me in a position of doubt if I say that Lucas Torreira has proved to be the steal of the summer for the Gunners.

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Nonetheless, there are still areas that need to be addressed swiftly as Emery and co. look to get back into the Champions League. The January transfer window is nearly here and it is a rather important one which could be instrumental in how the season fares in the latter months. Arsenal need to make this January a success. This requires a serious backing from the club’s very own devil, Stan Kroenke.

Kroenke is not a very popular figure among fans because of his tendency to not spend handsomely in transfer windows. Often, Arsenal have missed out on some genuine players because of his sluggish behavior and his not-so-serious attitude. The summer transfer window was no exception as Emery was allowed a mere £70 million, a pitiful amount when compared to the Premier League rivals.

But Emery, as well as Sven Mislintat, must be given due credit as they made the best out of what was given to them by Kroenke by landing gems like Guendouzi and Torreira on the cheap.

What is done is done and the team needs to look forward and move on. But this time, Kroenke must deliver. Emery will not protect him as Arsene Wenger used to in his latter years. Kroenke must supply the financial backing to Emery, spend big on quality players and be intrepid in his approach in this inflationary market. Raul Sanllehi has already said that he is not a big fan of the January transfer market but, this time around, January does require attention.

It will be worth seeing if they can fill those gaps with the quality players that are required, or whether it will be the same old quiet transfer window with no headline-making deals. Emery and Mislintat, based on their past record of success, deserve backing. They have proven themselves.

It is now time for Kroenke to match that success with investment, not that I am holding my breath at its coming.