Arsenal wanted ex-Chelsea striker flop in transfer deadline day switch but one thing stopped surprise move

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Arsenal’s January transfer window ended in frustration for Mikel Arteta and the fans as no new signings were completed before the deadline.

Mikel Arteta made it clear to the board Arsenal needed signings after the club lost both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury.

Arsenal had a bid rejected for Ollie Watkins in the final days of the window and held interest in a number of forwards but none resulted in a concrete move for the Gunners.

Arsenal fans are not impressed the club’s January business and the latest news of an effort to sign a striker on deadline day will not improve the mood among the supporters.

READ MORE: Five winter transfer windows still open in 2025 as Arsenal stars still look to complete exit

Arsenal held a late interest in Alvaro Morata before Galatasaray beat them to a deal

According to The Athletic, Arsenal explored a late move for former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata before the Spaniard joined Turkish side Galatasaray.

The Athletic stated: “Arsenal expressed an interest in another of the representatives’ clients: Alvaro Morata. They were interested in a loan deal for AC Milan’s 32-year-old striker. The indications were that Milan would have been prepared to sanction such a deal, but Arsenal were beaten to the punch by Galatasaray.”

Morata played 72 times at Stamford Bridge scoring 24 goals but was ultimately unimpressive during his time in London. Arsenal did not have the ‘conviction’ required to complete the deal on deadline day.

The Spanish international has won a wealth of major honours including the European Championship in the summer of 2024 and two Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Arteta was interested in bringing his experience to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal should have made a move for Evan Ferguson

Arsenal were clear throughout the window that they were ‘active’ and seeking market opportunities. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson was one of those opportunities but was allowed to join West Ham on loan until the end of the season.

The Irish striker has Premier League experience and is a strong, physical presence with an eye for goal. He already has 13 Premier League goals at the age of just 20. Arsenal held a long standing interest in Ferguson

The Gunners may have been wary of his difficulties with injuries over the last couple of seasons but now head into the business end of the season with just one recognised striker in Kai Havertz.

It is a risky play from the Arsenal hierarchy and fans will vent their frustrations should a lack of attacking options ultimately end their quest for their first trophy since 2020.