Arsenal’s indecisive nature in the January transfer window saw them avoid taking many risks and sticking to their squad.
That is despite repeated calls from Mikel Arteta to strengthen the forward options at his disposal, which have looked low on numbers for a month or two.
Injuries to key players have compounded with issues of scoring in tight encounters, leading to calls for a new centre-forward or winger.
Arsenal bid for Ollie Watkins late on, but that was rejected by Aston Villa, while moves for Mathys Tel and Benjamin Sesko didn’t go through.
While it all points to a big summer for the Gunners, it does also mean the second half of the season isn’t as well-prepared as many would’ve hoped.
That could be costly for Arsenal, with one such transfer target proving why it was a mistake not to push for a signing in the winter market.
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Arsenal made a mistake in missing Randal Kolo Muani transfer
One such opportunity that slipped through the fingers of Arsenal was the chance to sign Randal Kolo Muani.
The versatile forward, who can play as a central striker or on either wing, was free to leave PSG over the winter window.
His £76million move to the French capital hasn’t quite worked but a move elsewhere on loan, with a possible permanent move, offered a chance to pick up some of his very best form.
Arsenal didn’t get a deal done though, despite links, with their Premier League rivals seemingly ahead of them in the race.
It wasn’t a switch to England that followed though, but rather a move to Italy as Kolo Muani joined Juventus on loan.
Since making that decision, the Frenchman has moved from strength to strength, scoring plenty already.
| Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
Considering the switch was just a loan move, the immediate impact on display from Kolo Muani shows it was a mistake from Arsenal not to make a greater push to sign him.
Arsenal injuries compound transfer mistakes
There were already concerns over the attacking options available to Mikel Arteta in his Arsenal side before the close of the transfer window.
Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury was only added to by Gabriel Jesus picking up an ACL problem that will keep him sidelined for a while.
Beyond that, a fresh problem has seen Gabriel Martinelli pick up an injury which will keep him out for a month.
It leaves three senior options on the wing for Arteta; Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.
Beyond them, it’s a choice between looking at the Hale End academy talent or playing someone out of position – such as Kieran Tierney.
It underlines an even bigger mistake in not pushing to sign a versatile forward option in the window.
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