Arsenal were unable to add a forward to Mikel Arteta’s squad this January.
The Gunners were linked with numerous attacking players, including the likes of Matheus Cunha, Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Mathys Tel.
Ollie Watkins had emerged as the primary target late in the window, but the North London club were unwilling to meet Villa’s demands.
Fans were left frustrated by the lack of transfer activity, with many concerned about the lack of depth in Arteta’s forward-line.
However, the club explored many different options on the market, and ultimately decided not to invest in any of their targets.
The five reasons Arsenal made no January signings
With just Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard available to Arteta as senior forward options for the remainder of the season, the Gunners have certainly left themselves short.
Bukayo Saka won’t return March, while Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
However, according to various reports, Arsenal had several reasons for their lack of activity in the transfer market.
Journalist Sam Dean indicates that the club weren’t willing to invest in a player that they didn’t feel improved the squad immediately.
He also suggests that the Emirates hierarchy were concerned that rushing to sign the ‘wrong man’ now could jeopardise their summer plans.
Another reason attributed for the lack of new signings was the issue of Jesus, with his substantial wage package a concern.
The Brazilian’s injury means he cannot be sold this summer, and his significant salary means Arsenal are already committing to two strikers in regard to financial resources.
Additionally, the club feel as though the worst of the fixture congestion is behind them, and that the calendar will now become less demanding, reducing the need for a signing.
According to Charles Watts, they also believe the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and the eventual return of Saka means they have more depth than it might appear right now on the surface.
Nwaneri has impressed in recent weeks on the right, and can certainly deputise for Saka to a high level in the absence of the talisman.
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Arsenal’s transfer decision is a ‘huge risk’
While the list of reasons for Arsenal not acting in the transfer market are valid, the decision remains a huge risk.
Until Saka is back, they’re relying on none of the forward cohort sustaining injuries, which would further deplete the squad, while they’re also relying on a number of players maintaining form.
As impressive as Nwaneri has been, he remains young and his form could fluctuate at any time.
Havertz is the only recognised striker, with Trossard needed as a wide option too frequently to be a dependable deputy to the German.
Time will tell as to whether Arsenal’s risk will pay off, but the supporters are certainly reasonable in their doubts.
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