Football: Problems Mounting for Wenger

Arsene Wenger has pulled off some masterstrokes over the past 15 years, particularly in the transfer market. The Frenchman secured bargain deals to sign Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka among otheres and he parted company with Vieira and Thierry Henry at the right moments. But, with captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri almost out the door, it is hard to see the direction in which Wenger is going this time.

While Vieira and Henry were visibly past their prime when they left North London, the same cannot be said for Fabregas and Nasri. Their prime awaits in the coming years - and it will be Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, cashing in. Wenger has seemingly secured a fair price for both players but it is hard to see how he can re-invest those funds (around £60 million) in time to salvage the current campaign.

Liverpool and Tottenham will be licking their lips at the news that Arsenal are arguably losing their two best players. While Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp have been busy preparing for the new season, it has been turbulent at the Emirates with no one quite sure what the squad will look like come September 1. The Gunners are no longer guaranteed a top four finish and will be a step behind Liverpool in the battle for a Champions League place if Fabregas and Nasri pack their bags.

Wenger must now act decisively in the transfer market but will be hindered by the fact that sellers are aware of Arsenal's need for a quick deal. Targets include Juan Mata of Valencia, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Everton's Phil Jagielka. Bolton's Gary Cahill, Blackburn's Chris Samba and Lille's Eden Hazard are also on the radar. Should Arsenal spend the money on two or three of these names, their prospects might well be different.

But if the Frenchman continues to be cautious with the pursestrings, a slide out of the top four is increasingly likely. No one can question the impact that Wenger has had at Arsenal and he remains in control despite the upcoming twin exodus. However, if things turn sour over the months ahead, it is not out of the question that this could be Wenger's last season in North London.