Arsenal’s Transfer Struggles in January: Four Forward Targets But No Signings
Arsenal entered the January transfer window with high hopes of reinforcing their attacking options. Mikel Arteta’s side was actively seeking new recruits, particularly in the forward positions, following injury concerns to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. However, despite their efforts, Arsenal failed to secure a single signing, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the club’s recruitment strategy.
While the Gunners were one of only six Premier League clubs that didn’t make any additions last month, their lack of business wasn’t due to a lack of trying. According to reports, Arsenal had four main forward targets, but negotiations failed to yield any results.
The four players Arsenal pursued were Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, and former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata. Each player presented a unique opportunity for the club, but Arsenal ultimately missed out on all of them.
Ollie Watkins: Arsenal’s Persistent But Failed Pursuit
One of Arsenal’s most publicized targets was Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa’s prolific striker. The 29-year-old has been in fine form this season, making him a desirable addition to Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal made multiple attempts to bring Watkins to the Emirates, including a £40m bid, which was swiftly rejected by Villa. The Midlands club, aware of Watkins’ importance to their squad, set a much higher asking price, demanding at least £60m before even considering a sale. Arsenal were unwilling to meet Villa’s valuation, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
This unsuccessful pursuit leaves Arsenal still searching for a top-tier striker, something they may address in the summer transfer window. Watkins, known for his versatility and pressing ability, could have been a perfect fit for Arteta’s attacking system, but the club will now have to look elsewhere.
Benjamin Sesko: A Long-Term Target That Slipped Away
Another player on Arsenal’s radar was Benjamin Sesko, the highly-rated RB Leipzig forward. At just 21 years old, Sesko has been seen as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in Europe. Arsenal have been following his development for some time, and this January, they made an effort to bring him to London.
However, Leipzig stood firm on their stance that Sesko was not for sale mid-season. The Bundesliga club values the striker highly and is keen to develop him further before considering any transfer offers. Arsenal’s interest in Sesko remains, and reports suggest that they could return in the summer with a renewed bid.
If Arsenal had managed to sign Sesko in January, he could have provided a long-term solution for their striking needs. However, Leipzig’s refusal to negotiate left the Gunners empty-handed once again.
Mathys Tel: The One That Got Away to Tottenham
Perhaps the most painful loss for Arsenal during the January transfer window was Mathys Tel. The 18-year-old French forward had been pushing for a move away from Bayern Munich in search of more game time. Arsenal showed interest in signing him, but they never submitted an official bid.
This hesitation allowed their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, to swoop in and secure Tel on a six-month loan deal. Arsenal’s decision to pass up on making a formal offer could come back to haunt them, especially if Tel thrives at Spurs and becomes a key player in the Premier League.
The young forward’s technical ability, speed, and finishing skills make him a player with immense potential. Missing out on him, particularly to their biggest rivals, is a decision Arsenal fans may regret in the coming seasons.
Alvaro Morata: A Surprising Consideration
The most unexpected name on Arsenal’s shortlist was Alvaro Morata. The 32-year-old striker, who previously had a mixed spell at Chelsea, was made available for transfer just six months after joining AC Milan.
Arsenal considered signing Morata as a short-term fix for their attacking woes, but ultimately decided against making a move. The club reportedly felt that Morata would not have an immediate impact strong enough to justify the transfer.
Instead of heading to London, Morata completed a move to Galatasaray, where he wasted no time making an impression, scoring on his first start for the Turkish giants. While Morata wasn’t necessarily a long-term solution, his experience and goal-scoring ability could have been useful for Arsenal in the second half of the season.
Why Arsenal’s Lack of January Signings Could Be Costly
Despite actively pursuing these four forward options, Arsenal failed to bring in any reinforcements during the January transfer window. With injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, the lack of attacking depth could prove costly as they fight for the Premier League title and Champions League qualification.
Missed Opportunities and Potential Regrets
- Watkins could have provided an immediate goal-scoring boost, but Arsenal refused to meet Villa’s high demands.
- Sesko remains a long-term target, but missing out in January means Arsenal must wait until summer.
- Tel was a player Arsenal considered but failed to act on, allowing Spurs to benefit instead.
- Morata was an experienced option that Arsenal ultimately decided against, despite his proven record.
With no new signings, Arsenal now faces the challenge of competing at the highest level with a thin squad. If key injuries persist, their failure in the transfer market could significantly impact their campaign.
Looking Ahead: Will Arsenal Address Their Attacking Needs in the Summer?
As Arsenal move forward, all eyes will be on the summer transfer window. Will they return for Benjamin Sesko? Will they regret missing out on Mathys Tel? Could they reignite interest in Ollie Watkins?
One thing is certain Arsenal cannot afford to go another transfer window without addressing their attacking issues. The lack of depth has already been exposed this season, and without reinforcements, they risk falling behind in the Premier League title race.
While January ended in disappointment, Arsenal’s recruitment team will now be under pressure to deliver in the summer. Whether they go back for their January targets or seek new options remains to be seen, but for now, fans are left wondering what could have been.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s January transfer window was one of frustration and missed opportunities. Despite targeting four forwards Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko, Mathys Tel, and Alvaro Morata the Gunners ended the month without any new arrivals.
With key players struggling with injuries and Arsenal still competing on multiple fronts, their failure to strengthen in January could prove to be a major stumbling block. The club must now shift its focus to the summer transfer window, where securing a top-quality forward will be imperative to their ambitions.
Only time will tell if Arsenal’s lack of January business will come back to haunt them but for now, fans will be hoping the club has a clear and effective plan for the future.
