There have been many occasions in recent years where the genius of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been brought into question. After all, the trophy cabinet has been empty for four years and everyone, from skipper Cesc Fabregas to that little child in the upper tier at the Emirates, is becoming increasingly restless with the club’s underachievements. A majority of the supporters, however, continue to believe that Monsieur Wenger will step it up sooner than later.

As someone who has always defended Wenger’s tactics, I have had a tough time convincing myself regarding the Frenchman’s tactics of late. No doubt that Wenger has worked wonders with a team that is almost entirely composed of youth. But at the end of the day, I feel it is time to listen to the critics, because maybe they are getting at something. Perhaps, after four long years of a frustrating team-building process, it is time for Wenger to improvise his policy and bring some experience to the Arsenal line-up.

I completely support Wenger’s philosophy of avoiding spoiled superstars. But I am sure his wisdom will easily enable him to identify experienced, hardworking players who are not merely huge stars. For instance, Arsenal’s invincibles from half a decade ago were nowhere near the category of complacent big names (aka Adriano, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho). The good thing is that the majority of players in the sport today are actually far from this infamous category.

Considering that there are no excuses left, I am finally beginning to feel that Arsene needs to catch up with the trend and strike a good balance within this Arsenal squad by bringing some experience. So far, he has only managed to sign Belgian International defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. To further bolster his defense, Wenger has also called Philippe Senderos back from his loan spell at AC Milan (who by the way need huge reinforcements too).

I am sure that everyone at Arsenal realizes that two young defensive players cannot make the difference between a trophyless season and a Championship campaign. For Arsenal to finally end this dry spell, Emmanuel Adebayor’s future needs to be resolved quickly so that striking options are finalized. In addition, an experienced holding midfielder is a must. If Rafa Benitez can slam Gareth Barry’s failure to sign for Liverpool, then I will go ahead and slam my own beloved Gunners for their failure to lure Barry to the Emirates.

By the way, what exactly happened to the deal with Felipe Melo? At the beginning of the week, Arsenal were firm favorites to swap the unsettled Emmanuel Eboue for the in-form Melo. But thanks to Wenger’s refusal to offload Eboue, Juventus snatched the player away before any Arsenal fan could even say the Brazilian’s name. If the North London outfit keeps getting snubbed this way, the Finsbury Park area could be full of protest sooner rather than later.

It is clear, more than ever before, this is the time to react. It is true that Andrei Arshavin will no longer be cup-tied while some of the younger players will also come back stronger. But remember, that only means that Arsenal should continue the team building, not bring it to a halt! If Real Madrid can afford the insanity of putting their entire Dutch contingent on the market, then Arsenal can snap up at least one of the three or four big names. If Wenger prefers French talent, then how about signing an established Ligue 1 star such as Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan or Auxerre’s Benoit Pedretti?

The idea is not to identify specific players for Wenger as I am sure he has enough knowledge to hit the market in search for a player that fits the demographic. Instead, the idea is to propel Wenger towards sealing a few major deals before the Gunners fall far behind in this ruthless summer of recruiting. And that is not to say that great transfers always equate to huge success. Then again, bringing some experience to a team full of developing youngsters can never hurt, can it?

Do you agree with Zain? Have your say in the comments section below!

It’s the end of the week, but the rumors don’t stop. Here are some of the whispers making their way around the football world:

Ribery to… Liverpool!?

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery has been linked with just about everyone this summer, but the one team he hasn’t been mentioned in the same sentence with is Liverpool. Now, though, a move appears to be on the cards, as leading sports betting company Skybet has slashed the odds on Ribery moving to Liverpool.

Skybet is the same company that slashed their odds last week the day before Michael Owen signed for Manchester United, and it turns out they were spot on. The odds on a Ribery move to Liverpool was as high as 66/1 this week, but they’ve been cut to just 8/13 overnight.

“Every price we have put up has been taken on Ribery moving to Liverpool, which has left us stumped as in recent weeks he has been liked with every other club but the Reds!” Skybet’s Dale Tempest said.

“After seeing money for him to join Man United and Real Madrid at the same time that Bayern Munich say he’s going nowhere, we’ve now seen a flood of bets on him to join Liverpool.

“8/13 may seem a very short price but after the losses we made last week on Michael Owen, who was gambled down from 20/1 to move to Manchester United, we are taking no chances.”

Stranger things have happened…

BBC’s coverage of a new signing. Cantona-like press conference!

Manchester United to sign Swedish star

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to clinch his first major signing of the summer as he lines up a bid for Inter Milan’s striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fergie is building the  reigning Premier League champions around Wayne Rooney now  that Cristiano Ronaldo is gone, and he believes Zlatan is the perfect strike partner to unleash Rooney. Fergie has always said that he wants a solid core of four strikers, and Ibrahimovic would complete the current trio of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, and Michael Owen.

Inter Milan have been asking for £35 million for the talismanic Swede, but United’s valuation of £30 million could just be enough to convince Inter to sell.

David Villa signs for Barcelona

Barcelona are finally set to clinch their first summer signing, and it’s the man they’ve been waiting for. All signs indicate that Barca have agreed a deal with Valencia, and Spain’s star striker will join the treble winners in time for preseason. This means that…

Eto’o is finally free to go

Villa’s imminent arrival at Camp Nou will free up Samuel Eto’o to complete a move to either Manchester City or Manchester United. City have been the front runners throughout the chase for the man from Cameroon, but the red half of Manchester is his favored destination.

From Holland to Germany with a touch of Klass

Klass Jan Huntelaar has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs since his Real Madrid dream has been spoiled, but it appears his future could finally be decided. Reports in Spain suggest that the “new Ruud” is on his way to Germany, with Stuttgart his destination.

The Bundesliga side have formalled lodged a €20 million bid, and Real have promptly accepted. Bundesliga fans - expect some goals out of this young man.

Stay tuned to Premiership Talk for all of the transfer news and rumors.

Sir Alex Ferguson should look no further than Real Madrid and Holland striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for the new focal point to his Manchester United strike force, according to Eighties style icon Arnold Muhren.

Old Trafford favourite Muhren is well placed to pass judgement on Huntelaar having worked with the 25-year-old at Ajax and is convinced he could be the perfect foil for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

The young Dutchman – who only arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in January for £17m – could be a high profile casualty of president Florentino Perez’s astronomical summer spending spree and reports suggest Spain’s capital club would be willing to cut their losses if they can recoup the money they spent in the winter window.

Ferguson has already brought in Owen, Antonio Valencia, and Gabriel Obertan – but also missed out on Karim Benzema, who joined Real, and may feel his attacking department is missing a figurehead.

“The way the market has gone this summer then Klaas-Jan would be an absolute bargain at that kind of price,” Muhren told the Manchester Evening News. “If United are looking to replace the goals lost through [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s sale then Huntelaar comes as near as you can get with a guarantee to score them.

“He’s a goal scorer. Very, very dangerous in the box. He scored 76 league goals in 92 appearances for Ajax and despite what some people might tell you, that is not easy.

“I believe he can score goals at any level. He has proved he can do it on the international stage with 13 goals in 23 matches for Holland. He has proved he knows where the back of the net is throughout his career. He might need a little time to settle into the Premier League but he would score goals in England.”

Huntelaar’s stature and style have drawn obvious parallels with countryman, fellow Real striker and former United goal-getter Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Muhren is optimistic he would make a seamless transition to the Premier League and become the new crowd favourite.

“Huntelaar is not as fast as van Nistelrooy but he’s not slow,” said Muhren who coaches in Ajax’s youth academy. “You need to play it to Klaas-Jan’s feet. He’s a target man who will hold the ball up for you and bring the midfielders into play. That’s his style. He’s also very good in the air.

“He needs wingers feeding him the ball and midfielders playing into him. Like Ruud, if you give him the right service in the box then nine times out of ten he will score. Play to his strengths and create opportunities and Huntelaar will pay you back in goals.

“He would be another good option for United with Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

“Owen is fast over the first two or three yards and can win the balls put over the top. Rooney is a great talent and works hard and scores goals. He also has that ability to play wide and come in from that position. I love Berbatov’s kind of arrogant style. With Huntelaar added to that department it would be a great mix.”

Nick Walsh writes features and betting previews for Betfair.

Even after signing Raul Albiol, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s summer spending spree has no end in sight. Next on Florentino Perez’s wishlist is Arsenal midfielder Francesc Fabregas. Real are preparing a bid in the region of Arsenal’s asking price of £40 million.

Cesc is reportedly unhappy at Arsenal’s lack of big signings, as Arsene Wenger has continued his tradition of buying lesser known players and developing them. The Spaniard has refused to pledge his loyalty to the Gunners, and a move to La Liga could be on the cards.

If Real Madrid don’t land the midfielder, Barcelona are also ready to throw their hat into the ring. Barca’s pursuit of Liverpool’s midfielder Javier Mascherano appears to have stalled, and the Catalan giants would relish the chance to bring Fabregas back to his boyhood club.

Stay tuned to Premiership Talk for all of the latest transfer news and rumors.

In his pursuit of a fresh start, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially listed his Bentley for sale. Of course, the drivers’ seat would be on the wrong side of the car in Spain, and Ronaldo is being quite fair with the price - only about one week’s wages!

The Bentley, with just 7,000 miles on it, is listed for sale at only £114,950. Check out the listing for the car here.

If there is one team that is secretly thriving in a summer of high-profile transfers, it is Birmingham City. As mentioned by my fellow Premiership Talk writer, Brian Lofrumento, the newly promoted outfit is reportedly pursuing former Arsenal captain Patrick Viera, which is in addition to a handful of other acquisitions made recently. One of these acquisitions is the club’s record signing, Ecuador international Christian Benitez.

Compared to Liverpool’s famous manager Rafa Benitez, this Benitez still needs to be formally introduced to a majority of Premier League fans around the world. While I am sure Christian’s talent will be doing the talking sooner than later, I would like to spend some time highlighting some of this youngster’s accomplishments thus far.

In just a span of two years, Christian went from being a local star in the Ecuadorian league to becoming one of the finest strikers in the history of Mexican Clausura. In his very first year in the Mexican top flight, Benitez was awarded the league’s best player for his brilliant contribution in Santos Laguna’s march to the title. Winning the Clausura title in his very first season made him only the fourth Ecuadorian to ever lift the most prestigious piece of silverware on the CONCACAF club circuit.

The Brummies had spotted their man as early as the beginning of June, when a fee of around 12 million Euros was agreed between the two clubs. However, due to bizarre new issues discovered during his medical examinations, the player had to wait until yesterday to officially be announced as Birmingham City’s record signing.

Based on Christian’s past record, it is only logical to forecast that all he needs to do is to stay healthy and focused as his talent can take care of the rest. The Premier League obviously has its unique challenges, which even world-class strikers like Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo could not brave. But with age on his side, Christian should be able to make the transition far more, which his new employers would want happening as soon as possible.

Nicknamed “Chucho”, Christian Benitez will be joined at St. Andrews by a host of other names, including his compatriot Giovanny Espinoza as well as the experienced Premier League duo of Stephen Carr and Lee Bowyer. While it is clear that Birmingham City has done a great job of sneakily capturing some great talent, only time will tell if that will be enough for Alex McLeish’s men to survive another season in the English top flight.

In a summer full of astronomical transfer fees, clubs are beginning to look further down the pecking order to unearth some economical and hidden gems. Here are the five players still  out there that would be bargains for whoever signs them:

1. Ronaldinho - AC Milan

The former world’s greatest player may be fat and out of shape these days, but with his talent it remains a mystery why no one wants to take a risk on the Brazilian. ‘Dinho is no longer a feature in AC Milan’s starting eleven, but besides losing some pace he is the same player he was just years ago. All the midfielder needs is a bit of motivation and inspiration.

2. Obafemi Martins - Newcastle

Quite a few people  regard Obafemi Martins as Newcastle’s deadliest striker, and few expected Michael Owen to go before him. The Nigerian striker has pace, finesse, and great finishing ability. His speed allows him to unlock any Premiership defense, and virtually any squad in the Premier League could use him. With Newcastle’s fortunes tossed down the well, Oba is available - and cheap.

3. Stewart Downing - Middlesbrough

The man who has been pegged as England’s left-sided saviour, like Martins, Downing finds himself in the Coca Cola Championship looking up. Downing has a long list of suitors, but Middlesbrough are desperate to sell, and it’s about time someone actually submits a firm bid. Whoever gets him will not only add to their English contingent, but will have a player who is loyal and skilled.

4. Charlie Davies - Hammarby

The USA’s surprise run to the Confederations Cup final was full of many surprises, but no moreso than American striker Charlie Davies. The Hammarby number ten may not have been known worldwide before the tournament, but his pace, skill, and desire was there for all to see in South Africa. He’s following those excellent performances up with some more great performances in the Gold Cup, and Davies has seen his stock rise worldwide. A club like Fulham would suit the New Hampshire native, and he deserves a big move.

5. Patrick Vieira - Inter Milan

Thirty-three year old Patrick Vieira may not be the same player he once was, but the giant midfielder has bucket loads of experience and still has some gas left in the tank. Birmingham are the only side that are publically chasing the Frenchman, but many people believe that he is holding out for a shock Michael Owen-esque offer at a big club. Inter Milan doesn’t want him, meaning he’d be available on the cheap.

What bargains do you see in the current market? Have your say below!

Everton may have just wrapped up a loan deal for Jo, but David Moyes isn’t stopping just yet. The Toffees are now set to bid for Middlesbrough’s Turkish sensation Tuncay. With Boro relegated to the Coca Cola Championship, Gareth Southgate is resigned to losing his biggest stars all at cut-throat prices.

Tuncay has made it clear to the media that he wants to remain in England, but has stated that he wants to be playing at the highest level - sorry Championship fans.

Everton are ready to pay a mere £4 million for the Turkish captain, a fee that could see Tuncay labelled as the bargain of the summer.

Should David Moyes do what he can to secure Tuncay’s  signature? Have your say below!

Michael Owen’s transfer to Manchester United may not be the shock of the summer. Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is hitting the streets to find a new midfielder, and all rumors point to Joey Barton, Barry Ferguson, and… Patrick Vieira.

The former Arsenal captain has fallen hard and far from his days as a Premier League winner, and with his place in the Inter Milan squad all but gone, Vieira could be on the move this summer.

Birmingham City chairman David Gold has confirmed the Premier League newboys’ interest, and holds hope that the 33 year old will join the Blues.

Gold said: “I’d like to think there are a couple more signings who might wet the appetite and I don’t think the Vieira deal is dead.

“Players play it cool for a while and wait for better deals. The situation is not dissimilar to that of Michael Owen, who waited for Manchester United’s offer.

“There is every possibility he (Vieira) will decide he wants to get back into the Premier League and that he can do that with us.”

Vieira at Birmingham? Surely not? Or maybe… Well, have your say below!

Everton have announced that Manchester City striker Jo will remain on loan at Goodison Park for the entirety of the 2009/10 season. The Brazilian was signed by City for an astonishing £18 million last summer but has found himself surplus to requirements in Mark Hughes’ star-studded squad.

After finding himself firmly rooted to the Manchester City bench last season, Jo moved to Everton in January. He scored five goals in only eleven matches for David Moyes’ side as they marched to an unexpected fifth place finish in the Premiership and an FA Cup final.

This loan deal, in typical David Moyes, represents excellent value. Jo already knows his way around the club, and with Yakubu’s health still uncertain, Louis Saha’s seemingly neverending trips to the physio’s table, and Tim Cahill better behind a front man, Jo will be the pinnacle of the Toffees attack.

Is this a good move by Everton? Have your say below!