Titles on a shoestring. But for how long?

When Arsene Wenger first arrived at Highbury, a relative unknown, the greatest talking point was the similarity of his first name to his new club. Very much a thinking-man’s manager, Wenger quickly moved on to demonstrate he is one of the most astute managers in Europe and has brought the London club success on a shoestring, but has not reached the next level of a European title.

Now more than 12 years at Highbury, there is no sign of his motivation waning and indeed in the midst of another team re-build, this latest team could well be one of the most talented in a number of years.

Most striking about Wenger’s time at Arsenal has been his astute purchases of young, relatively unknown players and his ability to maximise their talents and provide them with a playing philosophy within which to display their undoubted talents.

Some of his first signings included Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Marc Overmars and Nicolas Anelka. The following year, as the Arsenal back four began to break up, the French-man controversially signed Tottenham Hotspurs captain, Sol Campbell, as well as Frederik Ljungberg and the French duo of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

These signings along with the existing English players in the squad developed into one of the best teams to watch play football in the Premiership; a trait that continues to this day.

And while these signings have thrived under Wenger’s tutelage, it is their exit from Highbury that is most telling.

There has often been uproar from the stands when word circles that particular players are being let go or sold. However, in the years that follow their exit, not many of the players have maintained the same level of success from both an individual or team perspective.

Overmars and Petit, two of the mainstays of the Arsenal midfield, were sold together to Barcelona. Overmars lasted four years with the Catalan club, but it took him a number of years to settle into the club. Petit only lasted a season before returning to London and Arsenal’s arch-rivals, Chelsea, where he did not have any like the impact he previously had in the Premiership.

Nicolas Anelka moved through so many clubs that they are not worth mentioning, and while continuing to be a goal-scorer, has not reached the same heights of success when at Arsenal.

This season Wenger kept his wick dry and did not dip into the transfer market during the January window. This ultimately was to the detriment of their Premiership challenge. While their nearest rivals Manchester United and Chelsea both suffered injuries, players of equal calibre were able to step into the fold without too much disruption. And it was they who ultimately finished first and second.

As the wheelings and dealings of the summer transfer season begin, but most likely to intensify further after the European Championships, Arsenal’s comings and goings will make for interesting viewing.

Already gone to a bigger paymaster is Gilles Grimandi. Will others follow or be pushed out and who will be brought in?

Players like Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor want to play at the highest level. If this Arsenal team does not step up to the mark in the Premiership (last won in 2004) and Europe in the next couple of years, it may be the end of the team or the manager. Only time will tell.