Andy Brassell has given his verdict on speculation linking Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with Borja Mayoral in the January transfer window.
The journalist believes that Arsenal were right not to sign Mayoral from Getafe.
So, what has Andy Brassell said about Arsenal and Borja Mayoral? Let’s take a look.
Arsenal were linked with January move for Borja Mayoral
Well, Arsenal were linked with a move for Getafe striker Borja Mayoral in the January transfer window.
The Sun reported on January 10 that Arsenal had bid £22 million for Mayoral, which Getafe rejected. The Spanish club were looking for £39 million for the striker.
Arsenal did not go back with a second bid. At HITC, we reported last month that Getafe denied ever getting an offer for the 26-year-old striker.
Andy Brassell is a well-known journalist who is an expert in European football.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Deadline Day, Brassell, who writes for The Guardian and is often heard on talkSPORT, has noted why it would have been a terrible buy for Arsenal to sign Mayoral.
Brassell said on Sky Sports News (18:23 pm, February 1, 2024): “I always felt that January was going to be a bit dangerous for them because, of course, they were going through this dry spell in front of goal.
“So, everyone goes, ‘The window going to open. Let’s go and buy a striker’. And you are thinking, ‘Hang on, who is really out?’
“Ten 10 days in, and you are talking about, ‘Why don’t you go and get Borja Mayoral from Getafe?’
“A guy who is not good enough for Roma, a guy who is not good enough for Real Madrid, but does the business at Getafe and maybe at £25 million, he could move the needle for Arsenal. It would have been a terrible idea.”
My View: Arsenal right not to sign Borja Mayoral
In my opinion, Arsenal were right not to sign Borja Mayoral in the January transfer window.
I do not think that Mayoral, who was linked with Crystal Palace in 2022, would have been a particularly great signing for Arsenal, especially in the short term.
The Gunners needed to sign a striker in January who could make an immediate impact and enhance their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Mayoral failed to make an impact at Real Madrid, and AS Roma did not sign him on a permanent contract despite him scoring 10 goals in 18 Serie A starts during his loan spell.
Just because the striker is having a good season at Getafe does not mean that he would have been a huge success at Arsenal.
Mayoral has scored 14 goals and given one assist in 20 La Liga starts this season.
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