News on Arsenal’s transfer as Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar use a novel technique to convey authentic January sentiments.
It is obvious that Arsenal’s transfer priorities have changed. Even if their current situation is comparable to that of January 2023, a different strategy is being used.
A year and a half ago, they were dominating the league. Many were caught off guard, but with Manchester United under Erik ten Hag in his first year, Chelsea being Chelsea, and Manchester City struggling, it seemed like the proper moment to act. Arsenal played the ambition card and exposed their hand, but it appears that they left a lot on the table a year later.
Leandro Trossard’s arrival has undoubtedly been a success and somewhat of a steal as well, but even so, he has only started 22 games since coming. His once-impressive assist total has gradually decreased, and after 16 games this season, he has played less than 800 minutes.
Jakub Kiwior is still utilised, albeit not very frequently, as a utility player. Although his versatility as a left-back is advantageous, it’s more likely that the Polish defender wouldn’t be playing much if Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jurrien Timber weren’t dealing with injuries. The last addition that made sense at the moment was Jorginho.
He was available at a cheap price and, having played in the league for five years, was accustomed to his surroundings in London, which was important to Arsenal as they looked to add experience to a side launching an early title assault. It looked like a lacklustre January window until they let go of the league title in the end.
Though there was no evidence that he would be able to, having never come near to winning the league with Chelsea, Jorginho was unable to lead the team as expected. Trossard was a brilliant investment, but the attack faltered when it mattered most, and Kiwior was relegated to supporting role.
Now that a poor finish to 2023 has overflowed into the New Year, Arsenal is ready to make changes mid-season once more, this time to get back on track and adapt. Everyone agrees that having a new attacker, midfielder, and full-back would be great, but the transfer market presents new challenges, so things aren’t perfect.
If Arsenal has any business, it will be restricted. There won’t be much action expected unless they sell any players, which is unlikely considering that no one in the league has the money to acquire them. However, this was essentially the case last year as well, and three newcomers still crossed the boundary.
This year, it has been simple to draw parallels between the decision to sign Jorginho and the unexpected opportunity to sign Jordan Henderson this month, which was declined. The 32-year-old wanted to spend as little time as possible in Saudi Arabia, so he made offers to clubs all throughout England.
Who could have predicted that he would not have settled after signing a deal there in the summer? and is seeking a means of escape. It’s not a huge leap to say he may have been a fair alternative, maybe covering for Jorginho during this transfer window, given Arsenal’s desire to add more steel and possibly a little more experience again.
However, Arsenal’s and Chelsea’s decision to reject Henderson is evidence of the club’s transformation. Perhaps Arteta would have leaped at the chance to sign a player who had won the league, the Champions League, and everything while serving as captain last year. Henderson was still a leader at Liverpool prior to his departure, and some may argue that it took courage for him to relocate to the Middle East from the cosy confines of England.
Whether it was bravery or being bought off with money and the promise of earning a livelihood while playing subpar football, Henderson’s potential and intangible qualities remain unaltered. Yes, it would have been risky, but then so was Jorginho.
Whether it was bravery or being bought off with money and the promise of earning a livelihood while playing subpar football, Henderson’s potential and intangible qualities remain unaltered. Yes, it would have been risky, but then so was Jorginho.
