Arsenal: 3 questions (and answers) that need asking this transfer window

Arsenal have yet to make a move this winter transfer window, but before we react, let’s ask and answer three big questions about the transfer prospectus.

Arsenal fans are eagerly awaiting Mikel Arteta‘s first ever Arsenal signing, but this January may be a bit tough to make that judgment on. For starters, the winter market is always a bit dodgy, with players rarely available, since they’re in races for the top of their own respective tables.

Secondly, the available funds situation is double dodgy, because this is Arsenal.

With Nicolas Pepe pulling in funds for the next several years and William Saliba to be paid for, Arteta is already low on funds because of his predecessor alone. That doesn’t mean business can’t be done, it just has to be smart business.

We also have to ask ourselves some serious questions about the type of business that we need to be doing. Dumping money on new players isn’t always the solution to a problem. In fact, it rarely is. And the Gunners have a history of not often seeking that solution.

Not just that, but youngsters are on the up and they need to be given certain allowances too.

Whatever the case, let’s get into the three big questions we should be asking. And, to make things easier, I’ll also answer them. We start with No. 3.

3. Do we need to replace Mesut Ozil?

Mesut Ozil is seeing a resurgence under Mikel Arteta, but it’s foolish to think that’s something that will last forever. The fact is, his contract is running out, he’s 31- years-old and we really need to figure out there we go from here. So do we replace him?

Answer

No, we don’t. In fact, I would be disappointed if we did. We have spent so much time trying to find a reliable source of creating chances over the past couple years, but we’ve neglected the fact that No. 10 midfielders are largely extinct and most creators come from the wings, or from a Dani Ceballos-type role that can play deeper in the midfield.

It’s much more common to see 4-3-3 formations, without that advanced central midfielder, allowing for the creativity to be spread across multiple players rather than focused on one.

That’s the approach we should take. Not a straight replacement.

Unless that replacement is Hakim Ziyech.

On to No. 2.