Arsenal’s January transfer window has ended with more disappointment than excitement, as Mikel Arteta’s side failed to secure any new signings, despite their public pursuit of an attacker.
The Gunners entered the month with high hopes of bolstering their squad, particularly after Gabriel Jesus’ injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. However, despite being linked with several high-profile names, including Alexander Isak, Arsenal couldn’t add any firepower to their squad. As the window closed, Arteta was left to make do with the players he began the season with.
The priority for Arsenal in the winter window was to bring in an attacker, a position that had become even more urgent with Jesus’ long-term injury. Arteta had openly discussed the club’s interest in strengthening the attacking department, but the Gunners’ efforts were unsuccessful.
A last-ditch attempt to bring in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins for around £60 million fell through, with Villa opting to keep hold of their star striker and allowing Jhon Duran to leave for Saudi Arabia instead. This meant that Arsenal would have to continue their title challenge without the additional firepower they had hoped for.
While Arsenal did not add any new players, they are still in a strong position, as evidenced by their dominant 5-1 win over Manchester City. However, the lack of new arrivals does highlight some gaps in the squad. Arteta will have to rely on the likes of Kai Havertz, who could play a central attacking role, with support from players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and, when fit, Bukayo Saka. Despite a summer signing in Raheem Sterling, the expected impact from the forward has yet to materialize, leaving Arteta with limited options up front.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Despite the lack of transfer activity, Arteta made it clear that his focus was on the team’s upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final rather than the transfer window. The manager was not interested in discussing signings and instead emphasized the importance of preparing his team for the midweek fixture. “My focus is that we have the best preparation we can have for Wednesday and that was the only thing I was interested in,” Arteta stated, underlining that his attention was firmly on the pitch.
In terms of player departures, Arteta allowed those at the lower end of the pecking order to leave. Marquinhos, who struggled to find minutes at Arsenal, has been sent on loan to Cruzeiro in Brazil for the remainder of the season. The most significant departure of the window, however, was that of young talent Ayden Heaven, who made the permanent switch to Manchester United. Whether this move will prove successful for Heaven remains to be seen, but United’s persistence in securing the teenager has certainly caught attention. Additionally, young defender Josh Robinson moved to Wigan on loan in League One.
As Arsenal’s January transfer window came to a close, the lack of reinforcements could be a cause for concern for Arteta and his squad, especially with the challenges that lie ahead. With no immediate changes to the squad, it will be crucial for the existing players to step up and deliver the performances required to maintain their push for silverware across all competitions. The Gunners’ success this season will rely on Arteta’s ability to maximize the potential of his current roster and find solutions without additional signings.
