Arsenal’s transfer window saw them lose 5 players, including a man who since November had been the club captain, for free. Three of these deals were permanent or will not see the player return to the club (Calum Chambers. Sead Kolasinac, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), while Pablo Mari and Ainsley Maitland-Niles left on loan for the remainder of the season.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang joins Barcelona, done deal and here we go. Contract agreed and now set to be signed by Aubameyang in Barcelona headquarters. Medical successfully completed. ?? #FCB
Arsenal will save his huge salary as they wanted. Deal in place. #AFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/IZEDCj2Zky
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022
It all seemed set up perfectly for the Gunners to make moves late on, having trimmed their once bloated squad to just 18 senior outfield players. Yes, they only have 17 Premier League games left of the season, but the depth on offer at present means that one or two injuries could prove curtains on any top 4 hopes.
So, why didn’t they make any moves?
Why Arsenal didn’t sign anyone
According to the reliable David Ornstein, it was because they did not want to jeopardise the summer plans that they had in place.
As per The Athletic:
‘Arsenal’s position is that they have a longstanding recruitment plan for the summer. Their intention for January was to explore any possibility to bring forward those deals. Those attempts did not prove successful, but rather than compromise on short-term signings, Arsenal chose to stick to the plan.’
? Aubameyang flew to father’s property in Barca knowing it could help facilitate deal
? Confusion within Arsenal whether trip was sanctioned
? Permanent transfer until 2023
? Edu and Arteta taking risk with no back-up striker? @gunnerblog @amylawrence71 @David_Ornstein
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) February 1, 2022
Of course, the club had not planned for their club captain to be shipped out for free or for their side to be this close to the top 4, which perhaps should have prompted a response in January. However, the threadbare squad with an over-reliance on youth is the side Arsenal fans will need to get behind for the rest of the season.