It’s been a worry in recent years that Arsene Wenger’s trophyless youth project serves only to attract young players looking to make a name for themselves to Arsenal.
In other words, the Gunners have become the Ajax of the Premier League. Talented youngsters see us as a stepping stone, to work for a developmental manager for a few years, get noticed on the big stage, and then seek a move elsewhere.
It is hard to blame the players themselves for this, as they have their careers to think about, and Wenger clearly does not instill them with the belief that they will win things here.
Sadly, it looks like our latest signing Gervinho has similar plans to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who have both flirted with moves away from the Emirates this summer.
In a recent interview, Gervinho said: “I want to use my time here at Arsenal to develop my strengths.
“I know English football is harder and I might need a bit of time at the start, but ultimately it is down to me to raise my game and adapt.
“When you are young, you always want to improve, to work with great managers – and Arsene Wenger is one of the best in the world.
“I think that with him, I will become a much better player, and he was very important in my choice to sign here.
“I came here because I believe that he can improve my game and help me reach another level.”
No mention of joining a club with ambition, or joining to win silverware, just a career move to aid his own personal ambitions.
As I said, I can’t blame him, that’s what Wenger has made us. That is what we have become.
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