Arsenal weighed up signing a striker in January but opted for a long-term approach.
With Gabriel Jesus injured, why did Mikel Arteta decide against reinforcements?
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 12: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SV Werder Bremen at Red Bull Arena on January 12, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Arsenal entered the January transfer window knowing they needed attacking reinforcements.
Gabriel Jesus’s season-ending injury, coupled with Eddie Nketiah‘s sale, leaves Mikel Arteta with only Kai Havertz as a recognised senior striker. Yet, despite their title ambitions and the need for firepower, Arsenal ultimately chose to sit out the market, a decision driven by financial discipline and their long-term vision.
A major factor was Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which have forced clubs to reconsider their approach to mid-season spending.
With player valuations inflated in January, Arsenal were unwilling to commit to a short-term solution that could compromise their summer strategy.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa FC at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Their interest in Ollie Watkins never progressed beyond early discussions, as Aston Villa’s asking price proved prohibitive.
There was also a late attempt to explore whether Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams could be prised away, but the obstacles of mid-season negotiations made a deal unworkable.
Arsenal’s recruitment team, which has been methodical in recent years, opted against a move that did not align with their broader squad-building strategy.
Likewise, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško remained unavailable, as the Bundesliga side prioritised getting back in to the Champions League. He is available for €60m in the summer and seems likely to join Arsenal along with Martin Zubimendi for around £50m.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 28: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
For Arsenal, the approach is clear: prioritise sustainability over short-term fixes.
Arteta wasn’t willing to greenlight a move for the sake of it. Mathys Tel, a player of interest for example, opted for Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal had their doubts he would add anything to the squad immediately.
MUNICH, GERMANY: Mathys Tel of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on January 15, 2025. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images
Speaking about the window before Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastel, Arteta said, “We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.
“We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring in certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well, and I think that we were.
“No [I’m not frustrated], because when you try your best and you do things with the right process, and you see the people that we all share the same intentions with and wills, and after you don’t achieve it, okay there are things to learn from it, there always are but you have to move on.
“That’s a piece that was important in the moment and now we have to move on, and nobody knows whether it is better to have done it or not, and we’ll find that out at the end of the season.”
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