There are 20 days left in the January transfer window

What is happening in the January transfer market? So far, there hasn’t been a lot to write home about, however, the Gunners have signed young defender Omar Rekik from Hertha Berlin, and have also extended Rob Holding’s contract until the end of the 2024/2025 season. Departing the club are Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba going out on loan, while goalkeeper Matt Macey has left on a permanent transfer to Scotland’s Hibernian.

Now, we know the wheels of progress turn slowly at Arsenal when it comes to transfers, so let’s be patient. Right?

I’m expecting the following players to leave in January, either on loan, or as permanent transfers.
That list includes: Sokratis Papastathopoulos (transfer), Shkodran Mustafi (transfer), Mesut Ozil (transfer), Folarin Balogun (transfer), Calum Chambers (loan), Runar Runarsson (loan) and Joe Willock (loan).

There has also been some talk that Matteo Guendouzi could be recalled from his loan spell at Hertha Berlin, and that Lucas Torreira could also be recalled, but then sent out again on loan to Fiorentina. Torreira’s time at Atletico Madrid has not worked out to anyone’s liking.

I think the most important move Arsenal can make in January is to cut loose Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker hasn’t played since last March, and the financial burden his contract places on the club is just plain overwhelming. I’ve been a huge fan of Ozil, however, Mikel Arteta hasn’t been able to justify a place for the World Cup winner on the club. So, keep your fingers crossed that a deal can be reached for Ozil to leave in January.

Next on the list of importance is Arsenal’s midfield. With the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe, some of that pressure has been lifted, however the Gunners still need more creativity in the center of the park. The latest names Arsenal has been linked to are Emi Buendia (Norwich City) and Yves Bissouma (Brighton). For months we have heard the names of Isco, Aouar, Ericksen and Drexler, however, I think those names can be laid to rest at this point in the January window. I mean, you never really know, but I doubt Arsenal will see a “big name” midfielder join this month.

My final concern is goalkeeper. Bernd Leno is #1, but faces no real competition from Runar Runarsson. The young keeper from Iceland just hasn’t lived up to anyone’s expectations following several questionable cup appearances. I think the Arsenal brass will sign Brentford’s David Raya to replace Runarsson.The 25-year-old Raya has been with the Bees since 2019, and has made 64 appearances. However, Raya did sign a new, 4 year contract with the club in October, 2020.

Now, before I sign-off today, I must also discuss the “deadwood” on the current Arsenal squad, namely Willian and Pepe. Again, there were so many expectations for both of these players when they joined the club, however, they just haven’t delivered. Pepe has made 42 appearances for Arsenal, and has scored 7 goals. He joined Arsenal for a club-record fee of $98.1-million (USD). So far, each goal has cost the Gunners $14-million (USD). Willian, on the other hand, has made 13 appearances for Arsenal, and has scored exactly ZERO goals. Willian makes $261,500 (USD) per week. Now, I’m not a financial genius by any means, but I have a feeling Arsenal’s return on investment for these two fellows is not very good. However, Mikel Arteta still has hope for both of them. I’m not sure I do.

So, with 20 days left in this transfer window, the Gunners will keep us in suspense as always until the final ticks on the clock.

Let’s hope their wheeling and dealing reaps some benefits!

Cheers.
Gunner1953