Romano now expects Arsenal deals in ‘final days’ of window as FFP fears emerge

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Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on Arsenal’s hunt for a new defender.

The defensive contingent at Arsenal has been rocked by injuries this season. 

Mikel Arteta has had to cope with Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White, amongst others, all being sidelined at various points. 

It is therefore unsurprising, as previously reported by Fabrizio Romano, that Arsenal consider bringing in a new defender to be their top priority this month.

However, it will not be easy for the north London club to get such a deal over the line. Arsenal only have a limited transfer budget at their disposal. They will also be very wary of not falling foul of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules or any of the Premier League’s other financial restrictions, having recently seen both Everton and Nottingham Forest charged with such misconduct.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Roma left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who it is thought will be available this winter for a cut-price fee due to his current contract situation with the Serie A outfit. However, so far there has been no sign of a formal approach forthcoming from the Gunners. 

Now, Romano has suggested that if Arsenal are to do any business this month, then they will leave it late. Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said, “we know Arsenal have been looking at the full-backs market because they wanted to do something in that position. But, at the moment, this isn’t close. I think it’s going to be about opportunities in the final days.”

Arsenal facing up to FFP threat

The transfer window closes on February 1st, so there is already limited time for Arsenal to get any deals over the line. It has been an extremely quiet window at the Emirates Stadium so far, with no players coming in or out of the club.

However, there may yet be a couple of outgoings on the agenda, as the club are actively seeking to move on both Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares. Neither player is close to being a regular in the team, and they are each also in the latter stages of their careers. These are two players that the Gunners can afford to lose. 

It is certainly important that Arsenal are able to get some players off of their books, too. As Romano says, “the reality is that Financial Fair Play is creating some issues for Arsenal. They’re not big issues, but obviously, you must balance when it’s time to sign and sell players.”

One thing that is clear is that, for the most part if not entirely, Arteta will have to work with the players he already has at this disposal for the rest of the season. Given that, it was vital that the recent trip to Dubai provided an opportunity for the Spanish coach to address some weaknesses in his squad on the training pitch.