‘The market is difficult’ – Arteta admits doubts over potential signings

Mikel Arteta has claimed that Arsenal are finding it extremely difficult to sign players this month, but admits that they are ‘trying’.

The Gunners have allowed four players to leave already this month, with Sead Kolasinac, Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Folarin Balogun all securing moves to clubs across Europe, while we are yet to bring in a single signing.

The timing of AMN’s departure couldn’t have been timed any worse, knowing that both Mo Elneny and Thomas Partey was leaving for the AFCON, leaving us with just Granit Xhaka and Sambi Lokonga for the two CM roles, and no senior back-up options.

This month, you would have to assume that we are still working on bringing in another option in central midfield and up front, but with just a week remaining in the transfer window, there will naturally be doubts creeping into the minds of the fans, especially when you consider that clubs will no doubt want to be finding replacements for any outgoings.

The manager admits that we are trying to sign players this month, whilst adding that they are finding it ‘difficult’.

“It’s what we planned, but the market is difficult, it’s complicated,” Arteta told Arsenal Media after the Burnley clash. “We knew that, but it’s a lot to manage and we have to make the right decisions with players that we believe are going to really help us and try to bring in ones that can take us to the next level.

“Well, we are certainly trying, but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to do it. Let’s see, it’s not only our intention, but a lot of facts that are needed to happen.”

It appears increasingly likely that we are going to miss out on Vlahovic, and that leads me to believe that we could panic and bring in someone who isn’t going to bring much improvement to our current crop.

I’m not giving up on Nketiah, and I fear that we will end up bringing in someone who is no better than the youngster, which will simply be a waste of money. I think Eddie is going regardless of how the season pans out, which is why this window was so important to bring in a top addition to our frontline, especially with question marks over the futures of both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also.

Will our window be considered a failure if we manage to strengthen in midfield but not in attack?

Patrick

Arsenal 0-0 Burnley Arteta Post Match Press Conference – “We didn’t have the quality”

Tags January transfer window Mikel Arteta

16 Comments

  1. Arthur Cabral? Darwin Nunez? Julian Alvarez? Patrik Schick? Amine Gouiri? Not even Luis Suarez on short term? None of them are worth scouting or available? All of them have scored more than our current strikers this season.

  2. Ah yes the excitement of the the last weeks transfer window ,I’m on tenterhooks TBH
    The Matarbore(thanks @kori) speaks again.

  3. Sorry not buying the narrative coming from the club. Chasing Dusan’s shadow for 3 weeks is self-inflicted and not “market difficulties”

    Don’t think Melo would improve us much beyond another body in midfield. He’s been trash at Juve in an easier league; doesn’t bode well for transitioning to PL.

    There have been other options out there to improve the team. Again it’s into the final week and it’s looking more like a panic buy than a strategic selection.

    Excuses continue to roll

  4. Arsenal have a new department on their payroll. It’s called DOR (Department Of Rumours). Just to keep the supporters interested

  5. Dusan Vlahovic isn’t the problem it’s his mafia agents, who want around 20m as compensation and 10% on his future sale, Heard it from a discussion on ESPN,

    I also feel we would get Renato Sanchez instead of Melo.

  6. There are definitely players out there who can improve our starting 11 let alone squad. Jonathan David would bring Good linkup play, dribbling ability, has good pace and can find the back of the net. As for midfield there so much options Sanches or Guimaraes both their clubs would accept a loan with option to buy in the summer, Wijnaldum on a straight loan to the end of the season just to name a few.

  7. if you read the full interview it sounds eerily similar to a former manager, just far wordier and slightly less smarmy

      1. I’ll give you that DK, simply because the other person in question had been there and done that, even though it got considerably more annoying over time

        1. TBF mate I haven’t watched a post or pre match interview with Arteta for probably 12 months ,I cannot stand his constant pass the buck excuse filled pressers ,makes me wanna throw up if I’m honest .
          Each to their own though I suppose .

          1. maybe you misunderstood my point, as I’m of the same mind as you regarding the nonsensical, excuse-laden Arteta pressers, I just meant this whole excuse gig occurred quite frequently with his former on-field boss, albeit in a far less wordy manner, during his latter years…that’s where any “real” managerial comparisons end

            1. Crossed wires mate regarding my “ each to their own post”
              That was aimed at his fanatical fan club not you per se .
              God forbid I have to bring out the big guns with you and the pillow talk again .
              Safe to say we are always on the same page .

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