At times last season, Mikel Arteta was criticised for his ‘defence first’ approach at Arsenal, one that some pundits and fans felt was stifling the Gunners’ chances up top.
Those fears were alleviated when Arsenal went on a tremendous goalscoring run at the beginning of 2024, but almost a year later, the club are now in a similar position.
Arteta’s side are struggling to create goals and big chances from open play in the Premier League of late, which has meant they’ve failed to fully take advantage of Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points.
Of course, with the January transfer window right around the corner, many Arsenal fans are pleading with the club to find a bit of attacking spark to bring in.
Arteta doesn’t seem at all interested in turning to deadline day signing Raheem Sterling right now, and new attacking impetus is needed.
Arsenal only planning big January spend if ‘exceptional’ opportunity arrises
That being said, Arsenal journalist James Olley has just provided an insight into the club’s January plans via a report for ESPN.
Unfortunately, it’s not the news that a lot of Arsenal fans may have hoped for, especially following frustrating draws to Fulham and Everton.
Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal look on from the bench prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
READ MORE: Arsenal told they have a player who is genuinely ‘average’ after their 0-0 draw against Everton
According to the report, Arsenal are currently reluctant to commit to spending a ‘considerable sum’ in January.
The club have taken the view that only injuries or an ‘exceptional, unexpected opportunity’ would push them to make a big move.
Arsenal have the funds to act if needed, but it seems as if the club’s preference towards the summer transfer window will continue.
As stated, not the update that a lot of supporters in N5 would have been hoping for, especially given how open the title-race appears to be this season.
Signing Raheem Sterling was a waste of time for Arsenal
As mentioned, Sterling was meant to be Edu Gaspar’s last-minute solution to Arsenal’s lack of firepower up front this season.
The Chelsea loanee was meant to be better-equipped than Reiss Nelson to help Arteta, but he’s arguably been used even less by the Spaniard.
Sterling’s words after joining Arsenal now look silly, and it’s hard not to sympathise with the winger who still remains very positive on the touchline despite his difficult situation.
Perhaps Arsenal are well enough equipped to win the league without any new signings next month, but the arrival of a winger or a striker certainly wouldn’t be unwelcome.
Related Posts