Despite widespread expectations of winter reinforcements, Arsenal left the January transfer window empty-handed. With Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season and Bukayo Saka struggling with injury, Mikel Arteta was expected to add attacking depth. However, despite late efforts, no new faces arrived at the Emirates.
The Gunners made an official bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but Villa refused to sell after losing Jhon Duran to the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal then turned their attention to Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata—both of whom were reportedly open to a move—but neither deal materialized.
- Mathys Tel: The 19-year-old Bayern forward held talks with Arsenal but ultimately joined Tottenham on loan, with Spurs holding a £45m purchase option.
- Alvaro Morata: After Villa rejected Arsenal’s bid for Watkins, they explored signing Morata from AC Milan, but he opted for a loan move to Galatasaray instead.
Speaking after the deadline, Arteta admitted his disappointment but emphasized the club’s disciplined approach:
“We had a clear intention to strengthen, but we have to be selective. We only want players who truly fit our profile and financial plan.”
With Arsenal still chasing Premier League and Champions League glory, their failure to strengthen could prove costly. They return to domestic action against Leicester City this weekend, hoping their current squad has enough firepower to sustain the title challenge.