Mikel Arteta has explained his reasoning behind Arsenal’s lack of January signings, with the Basque coach saying he only wanted the right players to join the club.
Speaking to the press via Arsenal’s official website, the Gunners manager said the north London side didn’t want to be rushed into signing any player to fill a void in the squad despite calls from supporters to make transfers.
This January saw several first-team players leave Arsenal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers all leaving on permanent deals, whilst Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Pablo Mari left the Emirates Stadium on loan.
With the squad looking thin in some positions, Arsenal fans urged the club to make some signings, namely in the striker and central midfield, however, much to the frustration of supporters, no new signings were made.
Indeed, the Gunners boss heads into the final 17 matches of the season knowing that his reputation is on the line following the business made in January. And when asked about Arsenal’s strategy in the window, Arteta was very clear with his reasoning.
Arteta said: “We were very clear. We only want the best players and the best people in this club. When we are in a rush and the reasons are not the right one for getting a player into the club, we decided not to do it.”
Arteta is putting his Arsenal career on the line after January window
The lack of signings in January was a shock for many Arsenal fans, and with a huge game against Wolves taking place tomorrow, Arteta is putting his managerial career with the club on the line.
Supporters are desperate for a return to the UEFA Champions League, and whilst Arsenal remain firmly in the race for top-four, plenty of lucky factors need to go their way if they are to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
