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Gunners gamble again with minimal moves in the January transfer market

opera.com 2025/2/17

According to 90min, Arsenal have once again taken a calculated risk by opting for a quiet January transfer window despite being in the thick of a Premier League title race and competing in the Champions League.

While fans and pundits alike expected reinforcements, particularly in attack and defense, the club ultimately refrained from making any signings, a decision that reflects a combination of market conditions, internal squad development, and a long-term strategy rather than a lack of ambition.  

One of the primary reasons behind Arsenal’s inactivity in January was the unavailability of their top transfer targets. The club has long been linked with strikers Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak, both of whom are seen as potential long-term solutions to Arsenal’s need for a prolific center forward.

However, neither player was realistically attainable this winter. Newcastle United remain determined to keep Isak, and any potential move for the Swedish forward is expected to demand a record-breaking transfer fee in the summer.

Meanwhile, Sesko, despite Premier League interest, preferred to stay at RB Leipzig until at least the end of the season before making a decision on his future. Arsenal also explored alternative options, including a late bid for Ollie Watkins, but differences in valuation and Aston Villa’s reluctance to sell—especially after Jhon Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia—meant that deal never materialized.

There were also last-minute discussions over a potential move for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but Arsenal ultimately decided to wait until the summer, knowing they may need significant financial resources to compete for their primary targets.  

Another key factor in Arsenal’s decision was the emergence of young talents from their academy, reducing the need for emergency signings. Injuries to key players, including Ben White and Bukayo Saka, might have forced some clubs into panic-buying, but Arsenal instead turned to their youth system.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has stepped up impressively at left-back, even challenging Riccardo Calafiori for a starting role, while Ethan Nwaneri has flourished in attack, providing an additional creative spark on the left wing.

Their performances have given Mikel Arteta confidence that the squad has enough depth to navigate the remainder of the season without rushed signings.  

Additionally, Arsenal’s schedule is set to become more manageable in the coming weeks, which likely influenced their stance. Their early FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United means they now have a rare weekend off, giving players more time to recover.

The club is also planning a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, which Arteta sees as an opportunity to reset and refine his squad ahead of a crucial period in the league and Europe. With their automatic qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 secured, Arsenal’s fixture congestion is easing, reducing the immediate need for reinforcements.  

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