For Arsenal fans, it is not the biggest shock that the Gunners have yet to sign someone with a world class resume in the current transfer window. With Yaya Sanogo being the only acquisition up until now, Arsene Wenger still seems interested in splashing the cash, but that may be just a cover up.
Some critics and fans have raised the concern that Wenger could just be pushing Liverpool, knowing that their £40,000,001 offer will not be enough. Yet with that offer and the mass amounts of media coverage, Wenger can at least say he tried.
If that is what he is looking to achieve, then he may well have convinced some fans that he is looking to spend. But for others, until a world class signing arrives at the Emirates and puts pen to paper, Wenger's critics will continue to question his ambition.
Looking ahead, it does not look like Arsenal will be signing anyone before August 1st, leaving their fans to question how far this side can actually go.
Their finish to the season last year was impressive, but it almost seems that Arsenal does that every year. A slow start along with a number of inconsistent performances, leads to Wenger's squad having to really push hard for a top four finish late in the campaign.
With the squad they currently have, only a naive and true Arsenal fan would believe that they could really win the Premier League in the coming season. Now, I'm not saying that it could not happen, because who would have thought that Greece would win the European Championship in 2004. But what I am saying is that given Arsenal's current squad, and their rival's new signings, it would take an out of sorts Manchester City and Chelsea for the Gunners to claim the title.
So how far can this Arsenal squad really go without a significant signing?
Not having lost any key players up until now is definitely a big advantage. The players can build off of last season, and hopefully that can lift them to a positive start.
At the moment, a realistic expectation for Wenger's side would be to make a serious push in the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup. Having been without a piece of silverware for eight seasons, putting all their hopes on the Premier League Title, without having brought in anyone of major importance could lead them to win nothing, as has happened as of late.
This expectation is of course based on Arsenal not signing anyone, which is possible, but with Arsene Wenger having talked about the club being ready to spend, it would be a death trap if the Frenchman did not spend big on someone.
Does that mean he could overpay for someone, just to say he spent money? Absolutely, but Arsenal fans will be praying that is not the case.
A fully healthy Jack Wilshere will really give the Arsenal midfield a boost on both sides of the ball, which they will benefit from. But Jack Wilshere and the rest of the starting XI will not be consistent enough throughout the whole season to bring home titles.
A mix of depth, youth, experience and talent is needed, and to be honest, Arsenal really just needs to find the balance. If they could bring in one big name, such as Suarez, although he may be an expensive gamble, that could really change things for the squad.
They would now see that the club is ready to take that next step on and off the pitch, giving them belief that better days are not too far away. As of right now, the players will remain hopeful and confident, but it is very difficult to believe that deep down, they know it is a serious up hill challenge to knock off big spending clubs in the EPL and in the Champions League.
