Reflections on a miserable year
    2006/2007 was a season to forget.  In a season plagued by injury to key players and internal unrest, there were certainly more blunders than achievements, more failures than successes, more losses than gains... all in all, the first season at the Emirates showed that unless some sort of change happens, whether it may be on the pitch or within the more delicate confines of club politics, Arsenal will continue to fall behind the likes of United, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the league pecking order.  A perpetual fourth-place finish is not what I, or any other dedicated Arsenal fan, will accept.

    The single most catastrophic event of '06/'07 has been the departure of David Dein.  Henry's future looks uncertain to say the least - a barren season, added to the loss of the club's most influential man, may prove to be the final straw - and Wenger may refuse sign a new contract come the end of '07/'08.  The loss of the manager would mean the mass departure of younger players such as Fabregas, which would in turn destroy everything that Wenger has been working for.  Arsenal's current take-over troubles with Stan Kroenke must be solved as soon as possible.

    Wenger's plan of building a young, talented side for the future was romantic but unrealistic.  Fabregas will inevitably return to Spain sometime before his contract expires in 2014, for Spaniards have not always enjoyed the harsh English weather.  Season after season without success will push others to find more fertile grounds.  Of the first-team players at Arsenal right now, only Gilberto, Toure, and a small handful of others appear 100% dedicated to the club on a long-term basis. 

    Wenger was too broad-handed in his allowing senior players to leave.  Campbell and Pires have been sorely missed.  Gallas may be experienced and versatile, but he is slow and it appears his best years are behind him.  Rosicky and Hleb are certainly gifted midfielders, but none have the clinical finishing and "magic," whatever it may mean, that Pires had.  The impact that these two players are capable of can be seen at their new clubs.  Campbell was rock-solid in defense for Portsmouth, and at one point helped Pompey claim a Champions League spot; meanwhile, in Spain's Liga, Pires inspired Villareal to 5th place after his return from injury.

    2006/2007 was not entirely gloom and doom.  The Carling Cup run to the final was astonishing, and by far the single greatest highlight of the season.  The double over United was brilliant, and displayed the talent and potential that Arsenal have.  But talent and potential mean nothing until it is translated into success and silverware.  In times of such dire need, it is imperative that the team win something now.

Looking to the future
    I do not think Henry will leave this summer, but should Arsenal go another season trophy-less, the exit of Wenger, Fabregas, Henry, and a few others would not be surprising.  

    Therefore, the approach taken towards the 2007/2008 season should be short-term and not long term.  Sign some older, more experienced players for instant success, and wait on the younger talents.  There is no longer time to allow foreign players to adapt to the league, nor is there time to carve and polish some rough diamond.    

    Arsenal have been, as is customary, linked with a host of players this summer, but it is important to select each signing carefully, and to take everything into consideration.  The African Cup of Nations will be played the following year, meaning the likes of Toure, Eboue, and Adebayor will be out on international duty.  I personally do not trust Philippe Senderos or Justin Hoyte as reliable replacements.  Instead, players such as Micah Richards, who have talent as well as considerable experience in English football, would be of high importance.  Sign Richards, an attacking midfielder such as Ryan Babel, and an exceptional center-back, and off-load some also-rans, and Arsenal could prove to be much more competitive next season.