Despite Only One New Signing, Arsenal Had A Positive January Transfer Window

Arsenal waited until the final hours of deadline day to make their one and only signing of the January transfer window with Auston Trusty making the move from the Colorado Rapids. Even then, the USA under-21 international is staying on loan with the Major League Soccer club until this summer.

Given some of the transfer business conducted by a number of their Premier League rivals, it would be understandable if Arsenal fans felt somewhat underwhelmed by what unfolded for the Gunners in January. However, the deals done last month will help Mikel Arteta’s team take the next step in their development.

January saw a number of peripheral figures depart the Emirates Stadium. Most notably, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completed a transfer to Barcelona, eliminating the largest salary from Arsenal’s payroll. The 32-year-old had fallen out of favour in North London after two disciplinary breaches in the last year.

With Alexandre Lacazette’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, it seems highly likely Arsenal will target a new centre forward in the summer transfer window. That Aubameyang won’t be on the wage bill next season will make the Gunners’ pursuit easier. They will have more salary space to manoeuvre in.

Many Arsenal fans wanted their club to move for Dusan Vlahovic, and widespread reports claimed the Gunners did indeed make a sales pitch to the Serbian striker before he ultimately decided to join Juventus instead. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak have been mentioned as alternative targets.

Calum Chambers also left Arsenal to sign for Aston Villa on a permanent deal. Much like with Aubameyang, fans might have liked a replacement for the defender to have been lined up in January, but the Gunners are doing a good job of getting rid of deadweight within their squad while they can.

Saed Kolasinac joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season with Ainsley Maitland-Niles also signing for Roma on loan. The hope, from Arsenal’s perspective, is that both players will demonstrate their ability and draw permanent offers this summer, something that could further bolster transfer funds.

Pablo Mari is another squad figure moved on by Arsenal in January with the Spanish centre back joining Udinese on loan until the end of the 2021/22 campaign. At this point, it would be surprising if Mari ever played for his parent club again. Arteta has a number of better options in his position in defence.

For much of his time as Arsenal manager, Arteta has battled for power at boardroom level. The business conducted in the January transfer window proves this is a battle he is now winning. Arteta, whose team have undoubtedly taken steps forward this season, now has the influence to shape the Gunners’ squad in his own image.

Of course, January’s business will only be good for Arsenal if they use the space they have cleared to build something better. But as so many of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals continue to struggle to move on peripheral squad figures (see Manchester United), Arteta can be pleased that he will have a cleaner slate to work on this summer.