Arsenal’s January Window Plans Revealed By David Ornstein

By The Editor
on 3rd December 2023

David Ornstein warns finances are tight at Arsenal…

Arsenal are reportedly “not looking” to do business in the January window with finances tight in north London and the club prioritising turning David Raya’s loan into a permanent deal, according to David Ornstein on NBC Sports.

After a record spending spree last summer as the club sanctioned deals for the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for an outlay exceeding £200 million, it’s understandable that the coffers may be empty this season.

We went on to add Raya to the squad in August, though that deal was structured as a loan with an option/obligation to buy due to the finances committed to the aforementioned trio.

Brentford commanded a loan fee of £3 million and the club will pay an extra £27 million to turn the move permanent which now seems to be a formality after Raya established himself as our No.1

The team does look stretched at the moment in midfield and at the back and while many have pointed to the January window as a remedy for that, Arteta will probably focus on getting Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber back fit.

“Let’s look at that financial situation, what have they got manoeuvrability to do?” Ornstein analysed.

“Will they be able to do anything in January? I don’t think they’ll be looking to, let’s see how the coming weeks go. The first bit of money they get, because they’re in a bit of a tight spot in terms of financial fair play, is to make the David Raya deal permanent.

“They might look to do a striker, but I think that’s more likely in the summer. Maybe a No.6 or No.8 in midfield depending on if there are departures – a Jorginho or a Thomas Partey.

“They do like players. We’ve seen Neves linked, Zubimendi at Real Sociedad, Jota and various others. I don’t hear anything credible just yet, they’re focusing on what they’ve got,” The Athletic reporter concluded.

The upcoming winter break will give Arteta and Edu the perfect respite to assess the squad without the pressure of maintaining our title challenge.

Much will undoubtedly depend on getting our injured players back – especially in the case of Timber and Partey. However, if Timber’s knee injury doesn’t heal and Partey continues to become an unreliable figure, the club will hopefully move the latter on and replace him.