Arsenal have clear long-term plan as Mikel Arteta targets priority transfer

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Arsenal have a clear long-term plan in mind as Mikel Arteta targets the transfer of a new left-back in the January window as a priority for cover to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Gunners have so far had to rely on unnatural fits this season whenever Arteta has been without Zinchenko. Right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu and centre-half Jakub Kiwior have so far acted as his main understudies. Arsenal do not have another senior left-back in their squad.

Yet Arteta also let Kieran Tierney leave Arsenal on loan in August after joining Real Sociedad in a season-long deal. He believed the Gunners’ versatile defenders would provide sufficient cover. But their loss of summer signing Jurrien Timber to an ACL injury ruined Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal have a clear left-back transfer plan in the January window

Now, the Emirates Stadium natives are studying the transfer market for a solution. But Dean Jones claims that Arsenal fans should not expect a world-class signing in January. Instead, Arteta and Arsenal are shopping with a clear long-term plan in mind despite a priority need.

Arsenal do not have the funds to go out and sign one of the best left-backs around. So, they are working to sign a player who adds depth to Arteta’s team in January but can grow into a greater role. A left-back is also likely to be Arsenal’s first signing and not a striker this month.

Mikel Arteta’s long-term plan may underwhelm Arsenal’s fanbase

Arsenal only signing a squad player to solve Arteta’s priority transfer need of a new left-back may underwhelm their supporters. Zinchenko has struggled for form in crucial games of late and Kiwior has also laboured. But the Gunners’ finances will force Arteta to work long-term.

Zinchenko received criticism over the festive period for his performances at Liverpool and at home to West Ham United. The Ukraine hero cost the Gunners goals at Anfield and Emirates Stadium. But Kiwior was not comfortable stepping in at Fulham after Zinchenko’s calf injury.