Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted to add a new midfielder and striker this month. But, Arsenal are still looking to strengthen their team as the January transfer window closes.
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Arteta provides an update on Arsenal’s transfer plans in advance of Deadline Day
After seeing his January transfer plans go up, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, was left scrambling for last-minute deals.
The Gunners were expected busy this month with many incomings. However, as we enter the closing hours of the window, it is not clear if the club will be strengthening.
A new striker was a top priority given the uncertainty surrounding the futures Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s, Alexandre Lacazette’s and Eddie Nketiah’s fates. Midfield reinforcements were also wanted.
Arsenal has so far not been able to sign any new players, although a few first-teamers were allowed to leave, mostly on loan. This is despite their apparent transfer plans backfiring.
According to The AthleticWhile the Gunners were hoping to increase their attack and midfield strength during this window of time, they are not yet close to recruiting for either position.
The North London club was reportedly trying to speed up deals for summer targets. But, as Monday approaches, their efforts seem futile.
Arsenal were widely thought to have identified Dusan Vladovic as the solution for their striking dilemma. However, they were disappointed when the former Fiorentina frontman turned down the Gunners in favor of a move with Juventus.
The speculation surrounding Alexander Isak, Real Sociedad’s forward, has increased in recent days. Juventus forward Alvaro Morato has also been linked although it seems unlikely.
Arteta is not only frustrated by his inability to find transfer targets, but also in the attack.
For weeks the Gunners had been in discussions with Arthur, a Brazilian midfielder who is currently playing in Turin. However, negotiations have stopped over Arthur’s 25-year-old status.
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While the Premier League club wanted to offer a six month loan for Juve, the Serie A side was pushing to make an 18-month agreement or a permanent departure.
Bianconeri resistance to allowing the midfielder to leave before signing a replacement was another factor that reportedly held up the deal. However, the club is now close to completing a transfer of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria.
Arteta’s squad looks thin from the outside as they head into the second half.
Aubameyang is close to finalizing a deadline day loan to Barcelona, while many first-teamers are being let go.
Callum Chambers will be allowed to join Aston Villa. Saedkolasniac is moving to Marseille. A variety of loan deals have been approved including Ainsley Maitland -Niles to Roma and Folarin Balogun, Middlesbrough to Middlesbrough and Pablo Mari, Udinese.
When asked about the possibility that he would add players to his squad, the Spaniard stated previously to reporters: “With the amount of things and the way we want to evolve the squad, we have to maximise every window in many different ways.
“We are alert. Edu and his team work very hard because they know exactly what they need to do.
“Whether we can accomplish that in January or in the summer is a different question related to other stuff but we are there.
“We will only discuss the player if it is the right one and that we have the financial means to make it happen. We are open.”
Evidently, it appears the Gunners will have to wait until the summer to continue their business as, barring a late flurry of spectacular signings, this month’s transfer window will go down as one to forget.
