Journalist David Ornstein has now revealed what business Arsenal might get done before the end of the January transfer window.
It has been an extremely quiet transfer window for Arsenal so far, with no senior players coming in or out of the club to date.
However, there is work being done on potential departures. The Gunners are actively seeking to move on both Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny this month.
To an extent, Arsenal need to clear the decks for FFP reasons. Having seen both Everton and Nottingham Forest recently charged with breaching Premier League spending rules, the north London club will be keen to avoid having any such sanctions meted out against them.
There have been plenty of links with potential signings, though. Above all, Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a striker and a defender, if the opportunity to do so presents itself. A lack of financial resources is a real problem for Arsenal at this time, though, so their spending power is extremely limited.
David Ornstein has now provided an overview of what he expects to see from Arsenal between now and the transfer deadline on February 1st. Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk Podcast, the reporter said, “this is where you say no and then something happens and you look stupid and become the laughing stock. I’m not aware of significant developments towards a deal before the end of the market. There is a possibility of defensive reinforcement that would be a reactive move to things happening in the market and Mikel Arteta deciding they need more cover in the defence and the right opportunity arising and the terms of the deal being acceptable. They are looking at players, but anything like that is in its infancy and there’s a good chance it won’t happen.”
What could change at Arsenal in last week of the January transfer window
This will be disappointing to hear for many Arsenal fans, as it is clear that there are areas of the squad that are short on quality and depth, but it seems that Arteta will have to work with the players he already has at his disposal for the rest of the season.
A loan deal or bargain opportunity could still arise, though. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Roma defender Leonardo Spinazzola, for instance. The left-back is thought to be available for a cut-price fee due to his current contract situation with the Italian club.
There could also be an unexpected late sale that prompts a more dramatic purchase in response. Crystal Palace had their initial approach to sign Eddie Nketiah rebuffed, but they could return with a bigger offer that Arsenal would struggle to turn down. Letting Nketiah go this winter could force the Gunners to strike a deal for one of the many strikers they have been linked with.
In all likelihood, though, the final week of the window is likely to be as quiet at Arsenal as the rest of it has been so far.
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