Arsenal: January transfer window still good for one thing

Mikel Arteta is not expecting big things from Arsenal this winter window, but that doesn’t mean that it’s completely useless. There’s still one great thing about this time.

Arsenal probably won’t be bringing in any big name guys this winter. Mikel Arteta isn’t optimistic about it and the lack of movement should betray the plot here. There’s just not a lot of availability or need. Such is the January transfer window.

But there is one big perk to the winter window that needs to be utilized, and that is the movement of youth products. Not just sending them out, but bringing them in too. Especially with us having now reassessed a lot of youth products, and with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson all clamoring for first team roles.

Let’s get some more action in the pipeline and star exercising some loan moves to get necessary experience to players on the cusp.

Konstantinos Mavropanos has already been loaned out and while I’m not thrilled about him going to Bundesliga 2 and the relegation battle, first team action will do him good. It’s very, very necessary.

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Emile Smith Rowe has joined Huddersfield, which is a clutch loan. The young Englishman joined RB Leipzig this time last year, but this time around, he isn’t carrying an injury, and he’s even closer to making an impact at the highest level. Huddersfield will give him an excellent opportunity carry on his learning.

Tyreece John-Jules has also been loaned out, joining Lincoln on loan.

Beyond that, it’s worth exploring loans for more U23 players as well. I know that they’re mid season and we don’t want to rob them of some of their regulars, but guys like Zech Medley and Folarin Balogun are on the cusp of a next step, and it may be time to start looking for opportunities for them to up their stock in the Emirates youth pile.

I would love to see more links to youth players more than the typical Dayot Upamecano, Samuel Umtiti, etc. links. If these are players we end up getting, it will come in the summer, but for now, we can be exploring other youth purchases. Guys like Gabriel Martinelli and Matteo Guendouzi who can provide more power coming up through the pipeline.

That’s what this January should be about. It should be about Arteta fleshing out his youth options. He’s done well spreading the loans, but keep that momentum going. Maybe have some coming the other way too.