Transfers: Problem Solvers & Upgrades / Time the key for Arsenal

After the transfer window closed 'cautious optimism' are the words to sum up the feelings of most Gooners I have spoken to.

OUT: 2 players who were unhappy have gone another fringe player has left too.

IN: 2 experienced internationals and a highly exciting prospect who has incidentally gone straight into the first team squad with Fabregas' old number.

I thought an article in one of the Sunday papers summed it up for Arsenal. There are 2 types of transfers. 'Upgrades' and 'Problem solvers'.

Cole to Chelsea = Upgrade. Gallas to Arsenal = Problem solver. Mourinho knows that and this is the reason behind his malcontentment.

Arsenal have a left back waiting in the wings and everybody who has ever seen Clichy play knows he is a mini me of Ashley Cole in the way he looks and plays. Arsenal won't really lose any strength and as a whole the defence will be stronger. Left back is not a position that wins you titles. Centre half is.

Baptista in for Reyes. Sounds like a good deal to me. Baptista has a strong physical presence and can score goals from midfield. Arsenal desperatley need someone like that. Reyes was unhappy and never going to realise his potential. It's not necessarily anyones fault, look at how well Fabregas has done, it's just one of those things. It also might mean Walcott has a chance to develop.

Cygan out and Denilson in. Again another exciting young prospect to add to the likes of Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner, Lupoli, Merida, Gilbert, Muamba, Van Den Berg etc etc. We have the basis of a very good squad without many new additions needed. The invaluable loan experience of Lupoli, Bendtner, Muamba and Gilbert will mean they come back stronger and more experienced which can only benefit the squad.

Arsenal have a starting XI which is as good as anybody and once the younger players start to mature, get an injection of power and strength which comes with age and some first team experince Arsenal will have 2 high class players for each position and a squad up there with the best in Europe.

It just might take time.