Rating Arsenal's January transfer business

Rating Arsenal's January transfer business

By Peter White

After such a turgid start to the 2020/21 season, Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful January with Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Manchester United ensuring they completed the month unbeaten in the league.  

Rewind to December 22 and the Gunners had just endured a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while a run of no wins in seven in the Premier League had them looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.  

Boss Mikel Arteta has emphatically turned things around since then though, with an eyebrow-raising 3-1 win over Chelsea just four days later proving the springboard for a rapid upturn in fortunes that has seen Arsenal emerge as real contenders for a top-four place.  

A valuable point against the Red Devils - without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Arsenal ranks - means they head into February unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games.  

Arteta’s faith in young talents such as Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as the team’s renewed fearlessness and confidence, has been attributed with the team’s hot run of form, but there is a case for the argument that the Spaniard’s transfer business this month has played its part.  

There has been a hive of activity at the Emirates since the winter window opened on January 2, with Arteta welcoming new recruits into his ranks, while also moving on some of those who didn’t fit into his long-term plans.  

With Monday’s 11pm deadline looming large, we reflect on the comings and goings so far, and what Arsenal’s work behind the scenes this month could mean for their on-field prospects in the second half of the season.  

Incomings

New recruits have been few and far between at Arsenal this month, but there is no doubt that the capture of Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard quenched much of the thirst for a high-profile creative addition.  

The 22-year-old - who joined Los Blancos aged just 16 and enjoyed a successful temporary spell at Real Sociedad last season - joined on loan until the end of the season last week, and made his Premier League bow against Manchester United off the bench.  

While those seven minutes didn’t allow him to find top gear, Gunners fans are hopeful the Norway international can provide the creative spark in the final third to help them put right a record that sees them as the lowest scorers of the top 12 teams in the league as it stands.  

Smith Rowe has largely carried the can in that regard since Boxing Day, and Odegaard’s arrival should ease the burden resting on the 20-year-old’s shoulders, and allow him more time to firmly establish himself in the XI.

 

While rumours suggest Arteta might look to make Odegaard’s switch a permanent one in the summer, even a short-term spell in North London looks to make a great deal of sense.  

The likes of Norwich’s Emi Buendia and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar have continued to be linked with Arsenal this month, but the only other first-team signing to have been completed is that of Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan on loan until the end of the season.  

Perhaps not hugely glamorous, the Australia international’s arrival represents a good piece of business by Arsenal, who needed a strong back-up option following Runar Alex Runarsson’s struggles against Manchester City in the League Cup.  

Ryan is out to prove his worth after losing his spot in the Seagulls’ XI to Robert Sanchez, but with 121 Premier League appearances under his belt he is more than capable of stepping up should anything happen to first-choice stopper Bernd Leno.  

While Rob Holding - who has established himself as a key man in Arsenal's backline this season - signed a new three-year deal at the start of January, fellow central defender Omar Rekik became Arsenal’s first signing of the window.  

The 19-year-old - who has previously represented Manchester City at youth level - has initially joined the under-23s squad and will be looking to force his way into Arteta’s plans over the coming months.  

Outgoings

While their incomings have produced plenty of smiles, Arsenal’s clearing of the deadwood this month can perhaps be considered as their main success.  

The departure of Mesut Ozil made the biggest headlines, with the former Germany midfielder signing for Fenerbahce after scoring 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, and having won three FA Cups.  

But without an appearance in an Arsenal shirt since March 2020 his presence at the club had become a largely unwanted distraction, and Arteta will undoubtedly be relieved to have got him off the books.  

Defenders Sokratis, Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba have also been shown the door - the latter two on loan - with a wealth of options in that area of the pitch prompting Arteta to make changes.  

Goalkeeper Matt Macey has also moved on to Scottish side Hibernian, as it seems that Arteta is increasingly populating his team with his own players who he believes are firmly bought into his project.  

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith told the Evening Standard: “He [Arteta] will naturally be delighted the Mesut Ozil saga is finally over. The whole situation was an irritating distraction.  

“There has been a lot of excitement about Martin Odegaard's arrival, a lot of conjecture about what the Norwegian playmaker can bring to the team. Arteta, I imagine, is pleased with the deal.  

“The Spaniard, however, might be even more chuffed with the flip side. If all goes to plan, January may be best remembered for those who left.” 

Certainly, Arteta will be hoping this month's adjustments can continue to yield positive results on the pitch, and help the Gunners maintain their charge up the table into the European spots.

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