Arsenal were linked with some huge transfer moves.placeholder image
Arsenal were linked with some huge transfer moves. | Getty Images
Arsenal were linked with several huge January transfer purchases - but none materialised.
Arsenal are on the verge of ending their trophy drought under Mikel Arteta after the Gunners reached the EFL Cup final with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
The Premier League leaders are also edging ever closer to winning the league title for the first time in 22 years and are going strong in the Champions League, with a squad as potent as any in Europe. The only thing which could have helped the Gunners get even closer to their target is if they had gone big in the January transfer window to add to their squad. Despite links with several high-profile players across the window, moves failed to materialise as Arteta appeared to retain faith with the squad which has got him this far. We had a look at who Arsenal could have signed, though, had things gone differently in the winter window.
Newcastle star linked as huge Real Madrid swoop touted
In a huge story which broke on Deadline Day, Arsenal were linked with a move for Newcastle United and Italy star midfielder Sandro Tonali. This came after a worrying injury to Mikel Merino just days prior had left Arteta considering last-minute targets before the transfer deadline.
News that the Gunners were considering a late swoop for Tonali broke via Sky Sports Germany but reports were quickly shut down, and nothing materialised. If talks did in fact take place, one can only assume that the figures Newcastle demanded were far too high for the north London side to consider. There is no doubt, though, that Tonali could have made a big difference if he had arrived at the Emirates.
Tonali was not the only leading midfielder in Europe reportedly targeted by Arsenal in January, as reports broke of a potential swoop for Real Madrid starlet Arda Guler. This came after the sacking of Xabi Alonso, who had given the Turkey international significant trust at the Bernabeu. The 20-year-old was never likely to leave Los Blancos mid-season and fees of £87m were quoted. But in an alternate world where Guler had been told he would not be playing a key role under Alvaro Arbeloa, he may have opted for the Emirates instead of a future sat on the Real bench.
Could Arsenal have signed Julian Alvarez or completed Marc Guéhi hijack?
Arsenal were undoubtedly linked with some massive moves across the January transfer window. Also touted for a sensational switch to the Emirates was Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who signed for Diego Simeone’s side for £81.5m in summer 2024 from Man City - but was linked with a huge mid-season move to City’s closest title rivals.
The likelihood of this going through mid-season was always fairly low, but there is little doubt that the striker position is one where there is still room for the Gunners to upgrade amidst the inconsistent performances of Viktor Gyokeres. Whether Arsenal could return with a more concrete move for the Argentine in the summer will make intriguing viewing.
In addition, the Gunners had a shot at securing the future of Marc Guéhi in January. The 25-year-old ultimately signed for Manchester City and reports suggested that Arteta’s side were keener on a summer move when Guéhi’s contract runs out. But the interest was certainly there, despite the imperious defensive record that the north London club have with William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of their defence. Could Arsenal have put in a stronger play for Guéhi, convincing him to sign at the Emirates rather than joining their title rivals? This could prove a regret if Guéhi ultimately plays an important role in where the Premier League trophy ends up in May.
Finally, Arsenal were linked with a mid-season move for highly-rated Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most exciting prospects in Ligue 1 and was linked with the Gunners in what would have been a move to future-proof the Emirates midfield. He remains at Lille for now and may find himself linked with big-money moves again in the summer. Arsenal will hope that by then, they have secured the trophy success to ensure they can have no regrets over their lack of transfer activity in January.
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