Arteta’s January house cleaning is over

As of 6 pm EST Monday, the Gunners have a smaller squad.

As predicted by many, there were more goings than comings on Transfer Deadline Day. In fact, there were 3 goings, and 0 comings.

Leaving the club for the next 6 months on loan are the following players…
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (to West Brom Albion)
Joe Willock (to Newcastle United)

Leaving on a free transfer…
Shkodran Mustafi (to Shalke)

These players join the list of Mesut Ozil (free transfer), William Saliba (loan), Sokratis (free transfer), Sead Kolasinac (loan) and Matt Macey (transfer) who have left the club in January.

During this window, the Gunners acquired Omar Rekik (transfer), Mat Ryan (loan) and Martin Odegaard (loan).
Rob Holding signed a new contract in January, as well.

Mikel Arteta now has a smaller squad, but a more comfortable group to work with. Many times older players not getting a lot of playing time can be a bad influence on the changing room, especially on the younger players. I would like to think most of that problem is now gone.

So, in January we signed a new backup for Bernd Leno, and a young and talented creative playmaker, however, we didn’t acquire back-up for Kieren Tierney at left fullback. One would have to think Arteta is now convinced Cedric Soares can relieve both Tierney and Bellerin as needed.

January is in the books, and the window is closed.

Time to move on and play some football!

Cheers.
Gunner1953