Speaking on Sky Sports (as quoted by Football.London), Charlie Nicholas has delivered his verdict on Arsenal’s transfer business in the January transfer window.
What did he say?
The Gunners completed two loan deals this month, with Pablo Mari arriving from Brazilian side Flamengo, whilst Cedric came in from fellow Premier League outfit Southampton on deadline day.
And whilst Nicholas acknowledged that Mikel Arteta has done well in identifying the problem area for the north Londoners, he insisted that this window essentially delivered a reminder of their struggles of recent years.
Watch Arsenal Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
He said: “It’s not exactly Hollywood, but Arsenal spent the wrong way for the last two and a half three seasons. Now we’re getting a punishment for it. At least Arteta has identified that the big problem we’ve all known for three or four years is defenders. It’s not a great window for Arsenal but it’s a reality check.”
Harsh reality
In an ideal world, would Arsenal be signing two players on loan in the January transfer window? Perhaps not. But that is unfortunately the kind of situation the Gunners find themselves in after missing out on Champions League football for yet another season this year.
Missing out on the riches and rewards of European football’s biggest competition has a massive effect on the finances, and after splashing out big money on the likes of Nicolas Pepe in the summer, the Gunners had to rein it in a little bit this January.
Calling all transfer experts! How much did each of these Deadline Day signings cost?
But, in sealing swoops for both Mari and Cedric, they have reinforced an area that needed strengthening, particularly after the injuries suffered by the likes of Sead Kolasinac, Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers in recent weeks. It may not be glamorous, but they have certainly got the job done, and they should be applauded for that.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has delivered a teasing message about Arsenal’s transfer plans on deadline day.